Finidi George: Journalist Raises Concerns Over Ex Ajax Star’s Super Eagles Role

• Finidi George is facing scrutiny over his appointment as the Super Eagles coach
• The ex-Ajax star was confirmed by the NFF as Nigeria’s new manager on Monday
• Finidi served as an assistant to Jose Peseiro for 20 months before taking the post

Nigerians remain divided over the appointment of Finidi George as the Super Eagles coach, after an announcement by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday, April 29.

The 53-year-old had served as an assistant to Jose Peseiro for 20 months and was part of the backroom team that helped deliver a silver medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Finidi was chosen as Nigeria boss ahead of over 100 applicants for the job, including the likes of Emmanuel Amunike, Samson Siasia, and former Cameroon gaffer Anthony Conceicao.

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According to Punch NG, the ex-Ajax star’s immediate task will be to guide the team to victory in two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and the Benin Republic in June.

Despite the NFF feeling confident about the appointment of Finidi as Nigeria’s next coach, some of his compatriots are not convinced he is the right man for the Super Eagles job.

Journalist questions Finidi’s new appointment

Renowned Nigerian journalist, Matthew Edafe, has questioned the NFF’s decision to appoint Finidi as the next Super Eagles coach after his confirmation by the football body.

He claimed the former Real Betis midfielder had no track record supporting his appointment and feels the new coach has to prove himself while in charge of Nigeria's national team.

"There is absolutely no piece [of] evidence, precedence, or argument to support why Finidi George deserves the job of Super Eagles manager. That is up to him to prove himself. I definitely would support him but my hopes are not up."

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The NFF Board reportedly approved the appointment of Finidi through the recommendation of its Technical and Development Committee.

Finidi snubs Amunike for assistant role

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Finidi could reportedly appoint a foreigner as his assistant after the NFF appointed him permanently as the Super Eagles head coach.

Amid claims that he has been given carte blanche to pick any members of his backroom team, the Enyimba coach is expected to select a non-Nigerian for the position.

Former Nigeria internationals - Emmanuel Amunike, Daniel Amokachi, and Michael Nsien - were among names touted to be part of the new Nigerian team technical crew.