Finidi George Addresses Friction With Nigeria Players After His Unveiling As Super Eagles Coach

• Finidi George reportedly had a falling out with some of his Nigeria players in March
• The former Ajax man has been officially unveiled as the new Super Eagles manager
• George said his planning to repair relationships as he begins his spell as head coach

Nigeria players reportedly clashed with then-interim coach, Finidi George, during the March international break.

After his confirmation and subsequent unveiling as permanent head coach, Finidi spoke about the alleged row, reiterating the need to improve his relationships with players.

Finidi will be in charge for the first time as head coach next month when the Super Eagles play South Africa and Benin in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Ademola Lookman and Sadiq Umar reportedly had issues with Finidi during the March international break, and it threatened to derail his quest to become permanent head coach. The 53-year-old wants to change that.

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"Being the head coach now changes nothing; I'm still the same person, but I still have to improve on something like relationship with the player," he said via Brila.

"We have our own way of dealing or talking with the players, and henceforth, there won't be any controversy on relationship with players."

In his brief spell as interim boss, Finidi led Nigeria to a rare win over Ghana but later suffered a defeat to Mali. He was part of Jose Peseiro's backroom staff that took the Super Eagles to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Finidi represented Nigeria 62 times and was part of the team that won the 1994 AFCON. He also played at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, per Afrik-Foot.

NFF unveils Finidi George

Sports Brief earlier reported on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) unveiling Finidi as Super Eagles coach, two weeks after appointing him.

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The former Enyimba FC coach signed a one-year deal and will be assisted by ex-Nigeria international, Daniel Amokachi.

What Finidi wants to see in Nigeria

Sports Brief earlier reported on Finidi listing several qualities he would love to see in a Super Eagles team.

The former Real Betis star made these remarks years ago when analysing the Nigerian team. He said Nigeria need to have culture and identity.