Finidi George: Super Eagles Coach Stresses Importance of Winning Upcoming World Cup Qualifiers

• Finidi George has stressed the importance of winning World Cup qualifiers
• The Super Eagles face South Africa and the Republic of Benin next month
• Finidi also dispelled rumours of managing both Enyimba FC and Nigeria

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification process heats up, the Nigerian national team finds itself in a precarious position.

Newly appointed head coach, Finidi George, has made it clear that his side must win in June's two crucial matches against South Africa and the Benin Republic.

The Super Eagles' journey in the qualifiers has been far from smooth so far, with the team currently winless in Group C after two drawn encounters against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

Finidi recognizes the urgency of the situation, acknowledging that the team's current standing is 'not a good position' and that they must be 'honest with themselves' about the need for a swift turnaround.

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"These games are must-win games. I'm not saying we will win the game, but I'm saying they are must-win games because we don't know what's going to happen. It all boils down to us as a team because we know what is at hand, and then we know we have to get as much as we can in these two games just to go up there," he told Arise TV, as reported by the Daily Post.

Finidi George clarifies Enyimba reports

The former Ajax winger, who led Enyimba FC to the Nigerian Professional Football League title last year, has unequivocally denied reports suggesting he would manage the club while simultaneously overseeing the national team. Finidi has made it clear that his commitment lies solely with the Super Eagles, a decision he discussed with Enyimba's chairman, who understood the coach's need to focus on his national duties.

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"The demands of both roles are too high. Enyimba needs dedicated effort to retain their league title, while the Super Eagles require full attention, especially with our World Cup qualification ambitions. I am not a superman," he added,as reported by Soccernet.

Finidi is well aware of the immense responsibility of managing the national team, which has over 200 million expectant fans and the lofty goal of securing a spot in the World Cup.

Finidi nominates foreign coaches as assistants

Sports Brief reported that Finidi had nominated three foreign candidates for assistant roles within the Super Eagles.

The former Ajax star has reportedly compiled a shortlist of coaches he would have liked in his backroom team.

His list also included Daniel Amokachi as a second assistant and Abiodun Baruwa as a goalkeeper coach.