Finidi George: Nigerian Tactician Opens Up on Rumoured Disagreements With Super Eagles Top Stars

• Finidi George has commented on the reported rift between him and some of the Super Eagles players
• The former Super Eagles star was unveiled as the country's men's national team head coach on Monday
• Finidi is reported to have fallen out with two key players of the Super Eagles during the international break

Nigeria's new head coach, Finidi George, has opened up on the rumoured disagreement between him and some Super Eagles' top players.

The former Real Mallorca winger was unveiled as the new Super Eagles coach yesterday, May 13, two weeks after being announced as a candidate to replace Jose Peseiro.

There were reports that Finidi had an issue with Sadiq Umar and Ademola Lookman during the last international friendly games against Ghana and Mali in Morocco.

Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, explains his tactics and preferred style of play

Football

Umar did not play in either of the two matches, while Lookman came on as a substitute in both and scored against the Black Stars.

According to the Daily Post, the former Enyimba FC manager cleared the air about the reported disagreements with national team players during an interview at his unveiling event in Abuja.

"I have been with the team for 20 months; as an assistant coach, I have always had a friendly relationship with all the [Super Eagles] players," he said.

"I am still the same person even as head coach, only that the role has changed. There will be no disagreement concerning relationships with the players.

"These are experienced players, and we have to give them what they are used to in Europe; you do not need to slap anybody for not doing your job."

Real Madrid's Courtois to return after nine-month injury layoff

Football

Finidi responds to his critics

Sports Brief earlier reported that Finidi issued a promise to his critics ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the Benin Republic in June.

The former Real Betis star's appointment as manager has been met with scepticism across Nigeria’s footballing community.

The 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner has appealed to fans not to judge him based on his previous results while he was still the interim coach and promised to make amends in the upcoming games.