Ex Nigeria Star Sends Warning to NFF Regarding Finidi George’s Backroom Staff Choices

• Finidi George was appointed Nigeria's coach on April 29
• The NFF did not name his backroom staff as of yet
• An ex-Super Eagles star wants Finidi to select his staff

Finidi George is getting ready to take charge of the Nigeria national football team after he was appointed head coach on April 29.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) did not name assistants for the Enyimba coach, leaving more questions ahead of crucial matches.

Former Super Eagles star, Ifeanyi Udeze, has warned against imposing anyone on the new coach.

Nigeria will face South Africa and Benin in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers next month. These are vital matches, considering the Super Eagles drew their first two games against Zimbabwe and Lesotho.

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Finidi will be under pressure to deliver two wins from the two games. The 53-year-old was in charge in an interim capacity during the March international break, per BBC.

Under Finidi, Nigeria beat Ghana for the first time since 2006 but suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Mali.

Udeze says Finidi must be allowed to select his backroom staff.

“I don’t want to see an ex-player who will come and give Finidi problems. The NFF must not give him assistants who will try to take the job from him. He should instead be given a free hand to bring his assistants,” via Afrik-Foot.

Michael Nsien, Usman Abdallah, Emmanuel Amuneke, and Daniel Amokachi have been mentioned as possible assistants to Finidi.

Finidi explains his playing style

Sports Brief earlier reported that Finidi had described his tactics and style of play in a recent interview.

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The 53-year-old, who replaces Jose Peseiro, stressed the significance of deploying a front-foot style, which will bring the best out of his players.

Finidi was an assistant to Peseiro, known for his pragmatic and defensive approach.

Ikpeba on why Finidi was appointed

Sports Brief also reported on former Super Eagles star, Victor Ikpeba, explaining why the NFF opted for Finidi, a local coach.

The Monaco legend said they didn't have money to hire a foreign coach and also wanted the continuity that Finidi brings.