World Cup Qualifier: NFF Initiates Moves To Dump Finidi George As Super Eagles Coach

Following a recent defeat to the Benin Republic, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has taken steps to dismiss Finidi George, the senior national team’s head coach. This development, exclusively reported by OwnGoalNigeria.com, suggests potential turmoil within the Super Eagles’ management as they struggle in the World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles are currently fifth in their group, having gone winless in four consecutive games. If Zimbabwe wins against South Africa, Nigeria could fall to last place in the standings.

Finidi George, who succeeded Jose Peseiro as head coach, signed a one-year contract with the option to extend based on performance criteria such as qualification for the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and reaching the semi-finals. Despite the World Cup qualifiers being postponed until March of next year, Finidi’s position remains precarious. A poor performance in the AFCON qualifiers could result in his dismissal as early as September.

According to an NFF board member, Finidi’s tenure may be brief: “Even Finidi understands that his future is tied to the game in September. He can not claim we did not provide him with the necessary support because he had everything but did not take advantage of it. He probably will not be here when the World Cup qualifiers resume.”

The decision to appoint Finidi has also come under scrutiny. The NFF board member revealed that Finidi was appointed without an interview, despite numerous applications from other candidates following Peseiro’s departure. “We did not interview anyone. The president of the NFF decided to appoint Finidi, and the technical committee did not recommend him. Nobody interviewed Finidi, which is why the terms for his release from Enyimba, including his wages and assistants, were agreed upon after his announcement.
Regarding potential successors, if Finidi is dismissed, the board member stated that financial constraints had previously hampered the appointment of a foreign coach. “Those who said there was no money for a foreign coach will stop saying that now that we are in a precarious situation. Finidi is still the coach, but I am not sure for how long.”