Former Nigeria International Lists Qualities Finidi George Must Instil in Super Eagles

• Finidi George will lead Nigeria in huge 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June
• The Super Eagles will clash with South Africa and neighbours, Benin
• A former Nigeria international has offered his advice to the new coach

Finidi George's Nigeria will be put to the test next month during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin.

The 53-year-old is settling into his new role as coach, having been appointed nearly a month ago as Jose Peseiro's replacement.

Former Nigeria international, Peter Ijeh, is happy a local coach got the job but insisted Finidi must instil some qualities into the team.

Finidi was part of Peseiro's coaching staff that led Nigeria to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, where they lost to hosts Ivory Coast.

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The Super Eagles were not expected to reach the final, but they did, thanks to their impressive pragmatic approach throughout the tournament.

Ijeh advised Finidi to bring different ideas to the team.

“I am happy Finidi got the job; I hope he starts thinking outside the box about what he’ll be bringing to the table to make it different from the others," via Punch.

The former Super Eagles striker wants Finidi to teach football skills and core virtues.

“His influence should go beyond teaching the skills; it also extends to personal development, reshaping the team’s character and development, and emphasising values like discipline, respect, sportsmanship, integrity, and perseverance.”

Finidi will be under pressure to deliver six points when Nigeria face South Africa and Benin next month. The stakes will be high since the Super Eagles failed to beat Zimbabwe and Lesotho in their first two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

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Finidi on Nigeria's next matches

Sports Brief previously reported that Finidi previewing Nigeria's matches against South Africa and Benin.

The former Enyimba FC tactician stressed that the Super Eagles must compete with the biggest teams to reach the 2026 World Cup.

Nigeria are currently third in Group C qualifying group after failing to beat Zimbabwe and Lesotho in their first two matches.

Finidi discloses his biggest career regret

Sports Brief also reported on Finidi sharing the biggest regret of his playing career in Europe.

The former Real Betis star said he was close to joining Real Madrid in the 1990s, but a deal didn't materialise.

At the time, he was an Ajax player, and the Spanish club wanted to sign him, but the two clubs couldn't agree on a fee.