15 Things You Need to Know About Finidi George The New Super Eagles Head Coach
Finidi George, born on April 15, 1971, is a former Nigerian professional footballer and current head coach of the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles.
He played as a winger and was known for his speed, dribbling skills, and crossing ability.
Finidi George began his professional career with Sharks Football Club in Nigeria before moving to Europe, where he played for clubs such as Ajax, Real Betis, Mallorca, and Ipswich Town.
He played a crucial role in Ajax’s success in the early 1990s, winning the UEFA Champions League in the 1994-95 season.
Finidi George was part of the Nigerian national team that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia and participated in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups.
He scored Nigeria’s first-ever goal in a FIFA World Cup against Bulgaria in 1994.
Finidi George has a total of 62 caps and 6 goals for the Nigerian national team.
After retiring from professional football, Finidi George ventured into coaching. He served as an assistant coach for the Nigerian national team and also managed Nigerian club Enyimba FC.
On April 29, 2024, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officially appointed Finidi George as the head coach of the Super Eagles, following the recommendation of its Technical and Development Committee.
His first matches in charge of the Super Eagles will be the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June against South Africa and Benin.
Finidi George’s immediate task is to guide the Super Eagles to victory in these crucial qualifiers, as Nigeria is currently third in Group C of the African qualifying campaign.
His appointment comes after the Super Eagles achieved a runner-up position at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire under the previous coach, José Peseiro.
Finidi George has a wealth of experience as a player and a coach, which makes him a suitable candidate for leading the Super Eagles.
He holds medals from the Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 1992, 1994, 2000, and 2002, showcasing his success as a player at the international level.
Finidi George’s appointment is seen as a positive step for Nigerian football, with fans and officials expressing confidence in his ability to lead the Super Eagles to success in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and beyond.
