Former Nigeria International Criticises NFF for Handing Finidi George Short Term Deal

• Finidi George was presented to the media as Nigeria head coach on Monday
• The Super Eagles legend was appointed permanent coach two weeks ago
• An ex-Super Eagles star is not convinced by one aspect of his appointment

The Finidi George era is officially underway.

The former Ajax star was unveiled on Monday, May 13, as Nigeria coach, two weeks after he was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Former Nigeria international, Seyi Olofinjana, has poked holes in NFF's deal with the Champions League winner.

The 53-year-old was reportedly handed a one-year deal, and expectations will be high. His first assignment as permanent boss will be against South Africa and Benin next month.

Super Eagles job: Journalist questions Finidi's appointment as coach

Football

Nigeria drew with Lesotho and Zimbabwe in their first 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Finidi is expected to lead the Super Eagles to positive results in those two matches.

Seyi Olofinjana questioned the appointment of Finidi but says even the best coaches have to start somewhere.

“I think it’s good we have an ex-international, someone who knows what playing for Nigeria is all about, as the Super Eagles head coach. But does he have a lot of experience at this level? But again, the Guardiola’s of this world started from somewhere," he said via Complete Sports.

He was baffled by the short-term deal Finidi was given by the NFF.

"I think for me that trust has already been broken by giving the so-called young, inexperienced coach at this level a one-year contract. What is he going to do in a year? If truly they believe in him, what is happening to a four- or five-year contract and say come what may, we trust you, and whatever happens along the way, we’ll trust you.”

Former NFF Boss Amaju Pinnick Weighs In on Finidi George’s Appointment As New Nigeria Coach

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Finidi has a star-studded pool of players to choose from. African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, will spearhead Nigeria's attack as he did under Jose Peseiro.

Agu advises Finidi

Sports Brief earlier reported on former Nigeria international, Alloy Agu, offering his advice to new Super Eagles coach, Finidi.

Agu urged the 1994 AFCON winner to retain most players who played under Jose Peseiro for continuity purposes.

Ikpeba warns Finidi's assistants

Sports Brief also reported on Nigeria legend, Victor Ikpeba, firing a warning to Finidi's assistant, Daniel Amokachi, stressing that Finidi is the boss.

Ikpeba cited past instances where former Nigerian internationals worked for the national team, a scenario, he says, didn't proceed smoothly.