NFF Reportedly Bans Finidi From Engaging in Media Interactions Without Approval

• Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, is allegedly barred from giving media interviews
• Reports suggest the Nigerian Football Federation must approve any media sessions
• Finidi was officially appointed by the NFF as Super Eagles coach on a two-year deal

Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, has reportedly been given strict conditions by the Nigeria Football Federation regarding his interactions with the media.

The 53-year-old was presented to the media for the first time as Nigeria’s head coach on Monday, May 13, succeeding Jose Peseiro, who led the team to a silver medal finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

According to Own Goal Nigeria, Finidi has reportedly been ordered not to undertake any interactive session with the media without express approval from the NFF.

Rangers coach Ilechukwu backs Finidi to succeed as Super Eagles coach

Football

This comes after the former Real Betis midfielder allegedly pulled out of a Twitter space where he was supposed to speak, due to the football body's apparent intervention.

Rumours suggested Finidi did not apply for a clearance from the NFF to hold the interactive session and in future, this could mean the Super Eagles coach breaching his contractual agreements with the body.

Assistant coaches not forced on Finidi

Meanwhile, NFF president, Ibrahim Gasau, has claimed the football body did not force Finidi to work with Daniel Amokachi, Benjamin James, Olatunji Baruwa, Chima Onyeike, and Mehmet Ozturk as his assistants, Soccernet reports.

The NFF had presented Finidi alongside the five coaches as Nigeria’s technical crew and have mandated them to see the team qualify for the 2025 AFCON and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Gusau clarified that Finidi himself chose his assistants, and the NFF had not imposed any names on him, as has been widely speculated.

Ex Nigeria Star Sends Warning to NFF Regarding Finidi George’s Backroom Staff Choices

Football

NFF blasted over Finidi’s contract

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that former Nigeria international, Seyi Olofinjana, has poked holes in NFF's deal with Finidi over the short-term offer given to the Super Eagles coach.

The 53-year-old was reportedly given a one-year contract, and expectations will be high. His first task as permanent boss will securing wins over South Africa and Benin next month.

Olofinjana questioned Finidi's appointment but said even the best coaches have to start somewhere, with the new boss needing to see the Super Eagles qualify for the World Cup.