Finidi George Steps Down as Super Eagles Head Coach

Finidi George has resigned from his position as the head coach of the Super Eagles. Various sources indicate that Finidi has already submitted his resignation letter to the Nigeria Football Federation NFF.

The 53 year old made this decision following the NFF’s move to appoint a foreign technical adviser for the Super Eagles. Finidi, who succeeded Jose Peseiro in May, had been Peseiro’s assistant for 20 months. His demotion meant a significant reduction in his contract and salary, from a reported N15 million to N5 million per month.

The Super Eagles have recently struggled in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, failing to secure wins against South Africa and the Benin Republic.

Editorial

Finidi George’s resignation as head coach of the Super Eagles marks a significant moment in Nigerian football. The decision comes amid ongoing challenges and the NFF’s intent to bring in foreign expertise to guide the national team. This move reflects broader issues within Nigerian football management and the struggle to find a stable leadership structure that can consistently deliver results.

Finidi’s tenure, although brief, was marked by his commitment to the team and his desire to bring positive change. However, the transition from assistant to head coach proved challenging, particularly given the high expectations and immediate pressures of World Cup qualification. The reduction in his salary and the decision to appoint a foreign technical adviser further complicated his role, leading to his resignation.

This development underscores the complexities of football management in Nigeria, where balancing local talent and foreign expertise remains a contentious issue. The NFF’s decision to seek a foreign adviser highlights a lack of confidence in local coaching capabilities, a perception that needs addressing through more robust training and support systems for Nigerian coaches.

For Finidi, this resignation could serve as a stepping stone to other opportunities where his experience and skills can be better utilized. His contributions to Nigerian football, both as a player and coach, remain invaluable, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

As the NFF moves forward with its plans, the focus must remain on building a cohesive team capable of competing on the global stage. This includes fostering local coaching talent and ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of Nigerian football. The upcoming appointment of a foreign technical adviser should be viewed as an opportunity to blend diverse expertise and elevate the performance of the Super Eagles.

Finidi George’s resignation is a reminder of the dynamic nature of football management and the need for continuous adaptation and support. The future of Nigerian football lies in finding the right balance between local and foreign influences, with the ultimate goal of achieving consistent success on the international stage.

Did You Know?

• Finidi George was part of the famous Ajax team that won the UEFA Champions League in 1995.
• He served as an assistant coach to Jose Peseiro for 20 months before becoming the head coach of the Super Eagles.
• The Super Eagles have a storied history in African football, having won the Africa Cup of Nations three times 1980, 1994, and 2013.
• The decision to appoint a foreign technical adviser reflects the NFF’s ongoing strategy to blend local and international expertise for better results.
• The Super Eagles are currently competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, aiming to secure their spot in the prestigious tournament.