Finidi George Optimistic About Nigeria’s Chances of Reaching 2026 World Cup

• New Nigeria coach, Finidi George, has a big job on his hands
• He has been tasked with taking the Super Eagles to the World Cup
• The 53-year-old is positive they can do it under his tutelage

Nigeria last played at the World Cup in 2018 in Russia.

The African football giants' journey to the 2026 showpiece in North America has started badly.

New Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, has promised Nigerians that he will work hard to take his country back to football's biggest tournament.

Nigeria are coming off an impressive campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where they reached the final. Moreover, they possess one of the best squads on the continent, led by African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen.

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Finidi was hired a week ago to replace Jose Peseiro, who left the role after his contract expired. The 53-year-old has been tasked with taking Nigeria to the 2026 World Cup.

He is confident he can lead his country to the World Cup. Finidi was part of the squad that helped Nigeria qualify for their first World Cup in 1994.

“The World Cup qualification matches against South Africa and Benin Republic is a collective responsibility for all Nigerians. I know I am in charge now and the heavy responsibility is on me to win the two World Cup matches,” Finidi said via Complete Sports.

“I will do my best to ensure success and qualify for the World Cup. I am also in touch with the players, and they are ready and willing to give their all, having missed out on the last edition held in Qatar...We need prayers and support from everybody; this is our own. We can do it and do it well."

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Finidi will coach Nigeria for the first time as a permanent coach against South Africa and Benin next month.

What went wrong for Nigeria?

Sports Brief earlier reported on former Super Eagles star, Mutiu Adepoju, explaining what went wrong for the Super Eagles at the 2023 AFCON.

He believes the Super Eagles failed to repeat the performances they produced earlier in the tournament against hosts, Ivory Coast.

Finidi explains his playing style

Sports Brief previously reported on Finidi giving a sneak preview into his tactical approach in a recent interview.

The 53-year-old, who replaces Jose Peseiro, reiterated the importance of having an expansive style that maximizes the talents in the Super Eagles squad.