Westerhof and Nigeria's Longest Serving Coaches As Finidi George Begins Tenure as Manager

• Finidi George was recently appointed as coach of the Nigeria national team
• The 53-year-old will aim to achieve immense success with the Super Eagles
• Sports Brief looks into Nigeria's longest-serving coaches post-Finidi’s hiring

The Super Eagles of Nigeria remain an enticing prospect for many elite managers globally, thanks to the team's abundant talent and wealth of experience.

Numerous managers have often expressed their desire to someday manage the three-time Cup of Nations winners, and while some have gone on to realise this dream, others have fallen short.

In a recent development, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appointed Finidi George as the manager of the three-time Cup of Nations winners.

This decision comes after a three-month search for a suitable candidate to succeed the former manager, Jose Peseiro, who managed the team for 22 months.

Why Emmanuel Amunike or Domenec Torrent could be the next Super Eagles coach

Football

In light of Finidi’s appointment, Sports Brief sheds light on the longest-serving managers in the history of the Super Eagles.

Longest serving Super Eagles coach in history

Gernot Rohr

The Franco-German holds the title of the longest-serving coach in the history of the Nigerian team.

The 70-year-old spell as coach of the team lasted between August 2016 and December 2021. Rohr oversaw 64 games during his stint as coach and led the Super Eagles to bronze at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

Clemens Westerhof

Still holding the honour of being the most successful coach in the history of Nigeria's men's football, the Dutch manager also boasts the distinction of being the second-longest-serving coach in the team's history.

Westerhof was at the helm of the Nigerian team from August 1989 to July 1994. The 83-year-old led Nigeria to silver at the 1990 AFCON, and another bronze medal at the 1992 showpiece, before finally claiming gold at the 1994 edition of the tournament. Additionally, he led the Super Eagles to their first-ever participation in the FIFA World Cup in 1994.

Nigeria’s minister of sports gives update on the Super Eagles coaching job

Football

Tiko Jelisavcic

The Yugoslavian manager ranks as the third-longest-serving coach in the history of the Nigerian team. Jelisavic, the former Austria national team coach, was in charge of the Super Eagles from July 1974 until April 1978.

Jelisavic was credited with shaping Nigeria's golden age of football stars, leading the team to two bronze medals at the 1976 AFCON and the 1978 edition of the tournament.

Sadly, Jelisavcic passed away in a car accident in June 1985. Until then, he was the technical director of the Mexican outfit Pioneros de Cancun.

Finidi explains his playing style

Sports Brief in a previous report stated that Coach Finidi had detailed his tactics and style of play in a recent interview.

The 53-year-old, who was named coach following the departure of Jose Peseiro, stressed the importance of playing a very expansive footballing approach and a high-octane attacking style of play.

The manager also expressed his preference for a four-player defensive setup.