Finidi George: NFF Warned Against Forcing Assistants on New Super Eagles Coach

• Mutiu Adepoju has advised against forcing assistants on Finidi George
• The ex-Real Betis midfielder was appointed as Super Eagles coach on April 29
• Finidi has been tasked with qualifying Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Finidi George’s appointment as Super Eagles coach has been applauded by ex-teammate Mutiu Adepoja despite the Nigeria Football Federation’s decision receiving mixed reactions from Nigerians.

The 53-year-old’s appointment has been plagued with little controversy as reports claim the football federation are considering hiring assistants for the newly appointed Super Eagles coach.

According to Soccernet, Adepoju has cautioned the NFF from making such a move as he claims Finidi should have a say on who comes into his backroom staff rather than people being imposed on him.

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"A coach is the one that knows who he wants to work with, who he is confident in. With the help of the NFF, they will be able to choose the suitable backroom staff for him. I believe he has to have a say in choosing his backroom staff, not just imposing coaches or anybody on him.

“He should have a way of bringing in people that he is going to have confidence in. Coaches that will enhance his job and make things work. I think he should have a say in picking the backroom staff that he wants to work with.”

Finidi’s first task as Super Eagles coach will be to lead Nigeria to victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the Benin Republic in June.

Akwuegbu wants Amunike in Super Eagles

Meanwhile, another ex-Nigerian international, Benedict Akwuegbu has called on the NFF to appoint Emmanuel Amunike as one of the assistants to Finidi in the Super Eagles, BSN Sports reports.

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Akwuegbu claims that the combination of Finidi and Amunike will improve the Super Eagles because of their extensive experience as players and coaches.

Amunike was one of the top contenders for the Super Eagles job, but the former Barcelona winger was sidelined by the NFF in preference for Finidi who had acted as assistant to Jose Peseiro for 20 months.

Nigeria backed to qualify for World Cup

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that former Nigeria international Andrew Aikhoumogbe believes Finidi can help the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria has not competed in the World Cup since 2018 in Russia, and there is pressure to make the 2026 edition in North America.

The Super Eagles are still looking for their first win in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after they drew against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.