Taiwo Awoniyi Weighs In on Finidi George’s Appointment As Nigeria Coach

• Nigeria football has entered another exciting period
• Finidi George was unveiled as Super Eagles coach
• Nigeria star, Taiwo Awoniyi, is happy Finidi got the role

On Monday, Finidi George was officially unveiled as Nigeria's coach, a fortnight after he was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The 53-year-old takes over from Jose Peseiro, who left the role when his deal expired earlier in the year.

Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, has shared his thoughts on Finidi's appointment.

Finidi was handed a one-year deal, and the Super Eagles 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June will be his first competitive match as permanent coach.

The 1994 AFCON winner coached the team during the March international break but in a caretaker capacity. They defeated Ghana for the first time since 2006 but lost to Mali days later.

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Awoniyi has welcomed Finidi's appointment, saying the former Ajax star deserves a chance.

“I think him being Peseiro’s assistant and with what he has achieved for the country, coupled with the humility he’s shown to the players, he deserves a chance. Like I always say, everyone deserves a great opportunity," via Afrik-Foot.

The Liverpool Academy product stressed the need for the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

“We have a lot of players, and we have a good coach in Nigeria as well. We have a World Cup to qualify and that is what is in everyone's head in the national team. Everyone wants to be in the World Cup, and I believe every player is looking forward to it to make the country proud.”

The 26-year-old missed the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations due to injury and watched Nigeria reach the final at home. Awoniyi will compete for a spot in the team with the likes of Victor Osimhen and Boniface.

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He has scored six goals this season, plagued by injuries, per Transfermarkt.

Olofinjana's issue with Finidi's appointment

Sports Brief earlier reported on former Super Eagles international, Seyi Olofinjana, questioning NFF's deal with Finidi.

The former Wolves star is not convinced the NFF has complete trust in Finidi. He added that the federation needed to show their faith by giving him a longer contract and backing him to the end.

Agu advice to Finidi

Sports Brief also reported on former Nigeria star, Alloy Agu, sharing his thoughts on Finidi's appointment.

Agu advised the 1994 AFCON winner to retain most players to ensure continuity when implementing his own tactics.