Finidi George: 10 Facts to Know About the Newly Appointed Super Eagles Coach

• Finidi George has been confirmed as the permanent Super Eagles coach
• The ex-Ajax star’s appointment was announced by the NFF on Monday, April 29
• Finidi will be charged with leading Nigeria to qualify for the 2026 World Cup

Nigeria’s long search for a new coach has finally ended after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the appointment of ex-international Finidi George as the Super Eagles coach.

The 53-year-old, who had taken temporary charge of the three-time AFCON winners in March, led Nigeria to a win and a defeat against Ghana and Mali respectively in two international friendlies.

According to Complete Sports, Finidi has been tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.

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Nigeria is yet to record a win in the qualifiers after drawing their opening two games against Lesotho and Zimbabwe and are ranked in third position in Group C in the qualifiers behind Rwanda and South Africa.

Here, Sports Brief alongside Punch NG takes a look at the profile of Finidi and outlines ten (10) facts you need to know about the new Super Eagles coach.

10 facts about Finidi George

1. Finidi George was born on April 15, 1971, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
2. He was a right winger who was recognized for his speed, accurate crosses, efficient dribbling, and free-kick skills. He played for three Nigerian clubs, including Calabar Rovers and Sharks of Port Harcourt.
3. Finidi had a tremendous club career at Ajax, winning eight major titles, including the UEFA Champions League in 1995.
4. The ex-Nigerian winger also played for Real Betis in Spain, nearly joining Real Madrid before that move fell through.
5. Finidi spent one season with Mallorca and then joined Ipswich Town in the Premier League for £3.1 million in 2002.
6. The ex-Ajax star made his international debut for Nigeria in 1991 and earned 62 caps, appearing at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups.
7. The former Sharks defender won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria and helped them reach the round of 16 at the 1994 World Cup.
8. At the 1994 World Cup, Finidi scored against Greece and celebrated with a famous ‘urinating dog’ celebration.
9. Finidi has 11 brothers, two of whom (Igeniwari and Celestine) were also professional footballers.
10. In September 2021, Finidi was appointed head coach of Nigerian club Enyimba F.C. and won the Nigeria Premier League with them in June 2023.

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Journalist questions Finidi's appointment

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Nigerians remain divided over Finidi's appointment as Super Eagles coach, after an announcement by the Nigeria Football Federation.

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's boss ahead of over 100 applicants for the job, including the likes of Emmanuel Amunike, Samson Siasia, and former Cameroon gaffer Anthony Conceicao.