The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has appointed the esteemed Finidi George as the Super Eagles’ interim coach. This announcement follows the departure of Jose Pereiro. George, a revered figure in Nigerian football history, will make his coaching debut this Friday when the Super Eagles face Ghana in a friendly match at Marrakech, Morocco.
Finidi George, at 52 years old, is no stranger to football glory. His illustrious career began with a memorable scoring debut for Nigeria in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Burkina Faso at the National Stadium, Lagos, on July 27, 1991. Since then, George’s journey has seen him grace the fields as a former winger for Ajax Amsterdam and Real Betis, etching his name in the annals of football history.
His debut in 1991 was marked by a goal and four assists, contributing to the legendary Rashidi Yekini’s scoring prowess. George’s assist to Yekini also led to Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal against Bulgaria in Dallas, USA, on June 19, 1994. Moreover, it was George’s decisive goal against Algeria on October 8, 1993, that secured Nigeria’s spot in its first FIFA World Cup finals, a match that concluded with a 1-1 draw and a ticket to the finals in America.
Come Friday, George will command the touchline, drawing from his rich legacy and 21 months of insights gained under the tutelage of José Santos Peseiro. Peseiro’s tenure saw the Eagles soar to the runner-up position in Cote d’Ivoire. The NFF has disclosed that 12 of the 22 players have already arrived in Marrakech, despite injuries sidelining key players such as Gabriel Osho, Tyronne Ebuehi, Victor Osimhen, and Taiwo Awoniyi.
The team’s roster at the Adam Park Hotel in Marrakech includes goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Olorunleke Ojo; defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Jamilu Collins, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Benjamin Tanimo; midfielders Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, and Alhassan Yusuf; and forwards Moses Simon, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Sadiq Umar, and Ademola Lookman.
The NFF anticipates the arrival of goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defender Chidozie Awaziem, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi, and forward Kelechi Theanacho, with Turkey-based defender Bright Osayi-Samuel expected to join the squad today.
Following the friendly against Ghana, the Super Eagles are set to engage the Les Aigles of Mali at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on March 26, continuing their international campaign. This marks a new chapter for the Super Eagles under George’s interim leadership, as they prepare to showcase their prowess on the international stage.
