Finidi George: Newly Appointed Head Coach Vows to Qualify Super Eagles for 2026 World Cup

• Finidi George has set out an ambitious plan for the Nigerian national team
• The former Ajax star aims to lead the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• He is set to earn N15 million monthly as the highest-paid indigenous coach

Newly appointed head coach of the Nigerian national team, Finidi George, has set his sights on leading the team to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With a wealth of experience and a proven track record, the former Ajax winger is determined to steer the Super Eagles towards a triumphant return to the global stage.

Finidi's journey to the top job began with a successful debut season as the head coach of Enyimba International, where he led the team to victory in the Nigeria Professional Football League.

NFF set 2026 World Cup target for new Super Eagles coach Finidi

Football

His impressive performance caught the attention of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and he was subsequently appointed as an assistant to the previous head coach, Jose Peseiro.

With the Portuguese tactician's contract expired, Finidi was entrusted with the team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

In his first address as the permanent head coach, the former Real Betis player outlined his ambitious plans.

"My first target is to make sure that we are in line to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by winning the upcoming two matches against South Africa and the Benin Republic," he said, as quoted by Soccernet.

The former Ipswich Town winger has also assembled a formidable coaching staff, with his former teammate Daniel Amokachi joining as his assistant, and Olatunji Baruwa retaining his position as the goalkeepers' trainer.

Super Eagles coach Finidi reportedly opts for foreign assistants, snubs Amunike

Football

Finidi's appointment comes with a significant financial package. As per ACL Sports, he will earn a staggering N15 million monthly, making him the highest-paid indigenous coach in Nigerian football history.

His first task will be to guide the Super Eagles to victory in their crucial qualifying matches against South Africa and the Benin Republic.

NFF member displeased with Finidi’s choices

Sports Brief reported that an NFF member was dissatisfied with Finidi and his rumoured selection of assistants.

The newly appointed manager purportedly submitted a list of assistants that included three foreigners, in addition to Daniel Amokachi and Abiodun Baruwa.

The committee member contended that it would have been more fitting for the 53-year-old to select entirely indigenous coaches for his backroom staff.