Former NFF Boss Amaju Pinnick Weighs In on Finidi George’s Appointment As New Nigeria Coach

• Finidi George was appointed as the new Nigeria coach on Monday
• He has taken over from Jose Peseiro, who departed two months ago
• A former NFF boss has denied that he influenced Finidi's appointment

After weeks of speculation, Nigeria finally appointed Finidi George as the new Super Eagles coach.

The Super Eagles legend replaces Portuguese coach, Jose Peseiro, who left the role at the end of February when his deal expired.

Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has shared his thoughts on the choice.

Finidi was part of Peseiro's backroom staff for 22 months and coached the team in an interim capacity during the March international break, where they faced Ghana and Mali.

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Pinnick has since dismissed reports that he played a role in the appointment of the new Nigeria national coach.

"The president [Ibrahim Gusau] is very capable, always working round the clock," Pinnick said via Soccernet.

"What I observed is that Nigerians don’t like to see peace in Nigerian football, they don’t like synergy. If I have a good synergy with my successor, I don’t think there’s any reason to say that I’m the one that chose Finidi George."

Finidi's immediate challenge will be to lead Nigeria in crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin. The outcome of those two matches will likely determine how fans will view the 53-year-old in years to come.

Nigeria drew against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in the previous qualifying games, leaving them third in Group C. The new Super Eagles coach will be under pressure to deliver victories in the two matches in June.

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Ikpeba explains Finidi's appointment

Sports Brief also previously reported on former Nigeria international, Victor Ikpeba, explaining the choice of Finidi as the new Super Eagles coach.

The Monaco legend said they were aiming for a foreign coach, but financial restraints prevented them, leading to a local being called on to lead.

Nigerians react to NFF hiring Finidi

Sports Brief also previously reported on Super Eagles fans sharing their thoughts on Finid's appointment as the new coach for the national team.

Many fans welcomed the choice, saying it was time for the NFF to give the keys to a local. Others had reservations about the NFF's selection.