Sports
#WCQ: Is Finidi George The Probelm of Super Eagles? All We Know As NFF Shops An Expatriate Technical Adviser
- Finidi George was sacked due to Super Eagles’ poor performances in the World Cup qualifiers
- Under Finidi’s tenure, Super Eagles suffered a 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic and a 1-1 draw against South Africa
- Finidi was appointed as substantive coach in April 2024
- NFF apologised for the team’s performance and resolved to hire a foreign coach
- The new coach must ensure a better-prepared squad for AFCON 2025 qualifiers and the remaining World Cup qualifiers
- Super Eagles must win all remaining six matches to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Following Super Eagles disappointing performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has decided to part ways with coach Finidi George and appoint a foreign coach for the national team.
Finidi’s tenure saw the Super Eagles suffer a surprising 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic in Abidjan, following a 1-1 draw against South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
The defeat leaves the Super Eagles of Nigeria winless after four matches, sitting in fifth place in Group C with just three points and putting Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in serious jeopardy.
Finidi George Not the Problem, Says Chris Green
Former NFF board member Christopher Green has come out in defense of Super Eagles head coach Finidi George, stating that he is not the sole reason for the team’s struggles. Despite the team’s poor performance in the World Cup qualifiers, Green believes that Finidi is not the root of the problem.
The Super Eagles are facing the possibility of missing out on another World Cup, with only three points from four games in Group C. However, Green’s comments suggest that the issues lie elsewhere, and that Finidi should not be made the scapegoat.
This development comes after the NFF Executive Committee held an emergency meeting, resulting in the decision to appoint an expatriate Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles in the coming weeks. This move may be seen as a nod to Green’s sentiments, as the federation seeks to address the team’s issues through additional support rather than solely relying on Finidi.
LETS TAKE A LOOK AT THE ISSUES
Finidi George, the coach of the Super Eagles, has been facing criticism and scrutiny after the team’s recent defeats in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. While some blame him for the team’s poor performance, others believe that he is not the main problem.
Reasons why Finidi George might be the problem:
- Lack of experience: Finidi George’s only managerial experience was with Enyimba FC, which some consider insufficient to handle the Super Eagles.
- Poor tactics: Fans and critics have questioned Finidi’s tactics and player selection, especially after the defeat to Benin.
- Inability to motivate players: Some argue that Finidi has failed to inspire and motivate his players, leading to underwhelming performances.
Reasons why Finidi George might not be the problem
- Short tenure: Finidi has been in charge for a relatively short period, and it may be unfair to expect immediate results.
- Inherited team: Finidi inherited a team that had already struggled in the qualifiers, and he may need more time to implement his own strategies and build a cohesive team.
- Lack of resources: The Super Eagles have faced challenges in terms of funding and infrastructure, which can affect team performance.
Conclusion:
While Finidi George bears some responsibility for the Super Eagles’ poor performance, it is unfair to solely blame him for the team’s problems. The issues plaguing the team are complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive solution that involves the Nigeria Football Federation, the players, and the coaching staff.