Finidi George sacked or demoted? NFF confirms search for a Foreign coach for Super Eagles

Finidi George returned to the NPFL after a short spell with the Super Eagles. || X

FOOTBALL Finidi George sacked or demoted? NFF confirms search for a Foreign coach for Super Eagles

BREAKING Finidi George sacked or demoted? NFF confirms search for a Foreign coach for Super Eagles

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 19:38 - 13.06.2024

Super Eagles will get a new face on the dugout according to the NFF following a meeting with current coach Finidi George.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has swung the axe on Finidi George's tenure as Super Eagles coach and announced plans to hire a foreign technical adviser in the wake of the team's shambolic 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign so far.

In a statement released after an executive committee meeting on Wednesday, June 12, the NFF apologised to Nigerian fans for the Eagles' "dismal output and very poor returns" of just three points from a possible 12 in the opening four qualifiers.

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It stated that the federation had "resolved to employ an expatriate Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles in the coming weeks" ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers starting in September.

The dramatic move signals the end of Finidi's brief reign, which has been dogged by poor results and criticism over squad selection.

Finidi George has won just one of four matches as Super Eagles coach.
Finidi George has won just one of four matches as Super Eagles coach.

Finidi's Fall From Grace

The AFCON 1994 winner was appointed last month with hopes he could galvanise the three-time African champions.

However, his tenure has unravelled quickly, with Nigeria already facing an uphill battle to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing to Benin and drawing with South Africa in recent matches.

Nigeria football Federation President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau says Nigeria will fight till the end.
Nigeria football Federation President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau says Nigeria will fight till the end.

While the NFF statement made no direct reference to Finidi's future role, reading between the lines suggests a demotion is likely as they pursue a high-profile foreign coach.

Foreign Coach Inbound

The NFF has opted to follow the well-trodden path of hiring foreign expertise in a bid to revive the Super Eagles' fortunes.

Jose Peseiro spent 22 months as Super Eagles boss
Jose Peseiro spent 22 months as Super Eagles boss. || X

With the team currently fifth in their World Cup qualifying group, a new technical adviser will be tasked with masterminding an improbable revival in the remaining qualifiers in 2025.

Their priority, however, will be ensuring Nigeria qualifies for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to avoid compounding the current misery.

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The NFF also announced plans to overhaul the technical department structure and conduct a "robust scouting programme" of players eligible for Nigerian citizenship worldwide.

Whether these sweeping changes can spark the required revival remains to be seen, but Nigeria's football chiefs have wasted no time ringing the changes after their handling of the Finidi appointment backfired spectacularly.

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