Super Eagles: Pinnick Backs Finidi’s Decision To Pick Foreign Assistants for Nigerian Team

• Amaju Pinnick is in support of Finidi George’s decision to hire foreign assistants
• The new Nigeria boss has been criticised for opting against using local coaches
• Finidi was appointed in April but his backroom system is yet to be announced

Super Eagles coach, Finidi George’s choice to hire three foreign assistants for his backroom staff has been backed by former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Amaju Pinnick.

Finidi, who was appointed as Nigeria’s permanent manager on April 29, caused controversy after reportedly turning down the chance to work with his former teammates in the national team.

According to Complete Sports, Pinnick has backed the 53-year-old's choices, claiming the newly appointed Super Eagles coach has the right to insist on hiring foreign assistants.

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"For his assistants, it is very tricky. It is normal for him to demand foreign assistants if he desires one. Bonfrere Jo was a foreign assistant to [Clemens] Westerhof and later took over the job. [Sunday] Oliseh had foreign assistant, [Samson] Siasia had foreign assistant."

The former NFF chief added that utilising foreign assistants was nothing new and it was also not a negative thing for Finidi to demand this.

The new Super Eagles boss is yet to confirm his backroom staff more than a week after his appointment but appears to have already caused tension in the local football space.

Who are Finidi’s intending assistants?

Meanwhile, Finidi is reportedly setting up a five-man team to be led by a German-Nigerian as his first assistant as he concludes negotiations with the NFF after his appointment, Own Goal Nigeria reports.

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Former Super Eagles forward, Daniel Amokachi, will reportedly serve as the 53-year-old's second assistant in the national team while Abideen Baruwa will maintain his position as the goalkeeper trainer.

Finidi also reportedly aims to appoint two foreigners as physical trainer and match analyst respectively, ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the Republic of Benin.

NFF against Finidi’s foreign assistants

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that some are disappointed with Finidi’s stance on appointing foreigners in his backroom staff as Super Eagles coach.

A member of the NFF's technical committee, who preferred to remain nameless, expressed dissatisfaction with the manager's selection of his assistants.

The committee member stressed that he wanted the 53-year-old to base his team's core on indigenous coaches rather than international managers.