The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are set to make a grand unveiling of Finidi George as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, in Abuja on Monday morning.
Via a press release on Sunday, the football body announced the former Real Betis winger will be officially announced as the head of the senior men's national team.
This move marks a significant milestone in George's journey with Nigerian football, transitioning from a celebrated player to a head coach.
As announced by the NFF, some of the guests expected at the unveiling ceremony are the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, alongside the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Tinuke Watti, NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and the NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.
Having served as an assistant to Portuguese coach José Peseiro, George played a pivotal role in guiding the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite falling short of clinching the title, George's tactical acumen and leadership were evident as Nigeria made a formidable run in the tournament, coming within 28 minutes of securing a fourth African title, eventually losing 2-1 to the hosts, Ivory Coast.
Sojourn in the Nigerian league
After stints abroad in different categories in Europe, Finidi decided to return to Nigeria to coach in the Nigeria Professional Football League.
Finidi linked up with Enyimba FC upon his return to Nigeria. In his second year with the team, he led them to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title last season.
Winning the NPFL positioned them for another title run this season. After 32 games, Enyimba are in third place with 53 points with six games to go, and a strong prospect of retaining their title.
His experience with Enyimba FC underscores his ability to navigate the intricacies of Nigerian football and deliver results.
National team experience for Finidi George
As a player, Finidi amassed an impressive record, earning 62 caps for Nigeria at the senior level. He clinched the Africa Cup of Nations title in 1994 and also featured at the 1992, 2000, and 2002 Africa Cup of Nations.
The former Ajax player represented Nigeria in two FIFA World Cup finals, 1994 and 1998, scoring in the last group game against Greece as the Super Eagles defeated the Europeans 2-0 in Foxborough.
His illustrious career on the field has provided him with invaluable insights into the nuances of international football, which he now brings to his coaching role.
With the Super Eagles gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Finidi faces the immediate challenge of securing maximum points in upcoming matches against South Africa and Benin Republic.
These fixtures will serve as a litmus test for Finidi's tactical prowess and his ability to rally the team towards World Cup qualification.
Nigeria started poorly in their first two qualifying games, managing only draws – a 1-1 stalemate in Uyo and another 1-1 draw away against Zimbabwe.
Fans look forward to Finidi's reign
Finidi's appointment signals a new era for Nigerian football, with fans eagerly anticipating his impact as head coach of the Super Eagles. His wealth of experience, both as a player and a coach, positions him as a formidable force in the realm of African football.
With his proven track record and unwavering determination, Finidi is poised to lead the Super Eagles to new heights and cement his legacy as one of Nigeria's most revered footballing figures.
The former Ajax winger has come full circle, from being a player to a coach, and joins the likes of Stephen Keshi, Austin Eguavoen, and Sunday Oliseh as members of the Class of '94 who went on to coach the Super Eagles.
