‘He should have a say’- Ex-Real Sociedad star cautions NFF over Finidi George's decision

Yemi Olanrewaju (left) was an assistant to Finidi George when they won the NPFL two seasons ago. (Photo Credit: Enyimba/X)

‘He should have a say’- Ex-Real Sociedad star cautions NFF over Finidi George's decision

Joba Ogunwale 13:07 - 07.05.2024

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been warned against taking a decision that could jeopardise Finidi Geroge’s position as Super Eagles boss. 

Former Real Sociedad star Mutiu Adepoju has urged the NFF not to work against the success of Finidi George as Nigeria’s Men’s national football team coach. 

Finidi gearing up for Super Eagles job

The NFF recently announced Finidi as the new manager of the Super Eagles following the departure of Jose Peseiro after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. 

Finidi will be in charge when the Super Eagles resume their 2026 World Cup qualifiers next month, having taken charge of the friendly games against the Black Stars of Ghana and the Eagles of Mali in March. 

Ex-Sociedad man Adepoju wants NFF to hands off Finidi

However, while the ex-Ajax man is gearing up for the fixtures against South Africa and The Benin Republic next month, there is still no update on his backroom staff. 

It is being reported that the NFF will choose Finidi’s backroom staff for him, but Adepoju has cautioned the body against making that decision. 

The former Real Madrid youth player urged the NFF to allow Finidi to choose his backroom staff himself as that would strengthen his chance of having success with the team. 

Adepoju revealed this in an interview with Newscentral after the NFF announced Finidi as the Super Eagles’ new manager. 

A coach is the one that knows who he wants to work with, who he is confident in. With the help of the NFF, they will be able to choose the suitable backroom staff for him. I believe he has to have a say in choosing his backroom staff, not just imposing coaches or anybody on him,” Finidi told News Central.

“He should have a way of bring in people that he is going to have confidence in. Coaches that will enhance his job and make things work. I think he should have a say in picking the backroom staff that he wants to work with.”

It now remains to be seen if the NFF would allow Finid to bring his backroom staff ahead of the resumption of the World Cup qualifiers next month. 

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