NFF Tasks Finidi With Qualifying Super Eagles For 2026 World Cup, Developing Local Talent

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has mandated Finidi George to ensure that the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Super Eagles are currently third in their group, following two draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

The two-time African champions will host South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on Friday, June 7, before taking on Benin’s Squirrels a few days later.

“In June, Nigeria will play the games of their lives against South Africa and Benin,” Ikpeba, an NFF technical committee member, told SuperSport.

“We are on the back foot after drawing our first two World Cup qualifiers, so we must win the following games.

“We have the players; if Finidi can get the most out of them, we will qualify for the World Cup.”

Ikpeba also stated that the new coach will be expected to provide more opportunities for Nigerian football players to join the Super Eagles.

“He lives and works here (as coach of NPFL champions Enyimba),” he explained.

“He will give local players a chance on his team.

“He will have to look inwards; that is how we got the player Finidi George.”