Finidi George Makes a Promise to Nigeria As He Settles Into Head Coach Role

• Finidi George will be under pressure to deliver as Nigeria coach
• The Super Eagles are expected to win their two matches in June
• The new coach has given a sneak preview of his plans in charge

Nigeria coach, Finidi George, has made a promise to local fans weeks after he was appointed as Super Eagles coach.

The 53-year-old has been tasked with taking the three-time AFCON champions to the continental showpiece and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He was part of the coaching staff that took the Super Eagles to the 2023 AFCON final, which they lost to hosts, Ivory Coast.

The West African giants made an impressive run to the final, but a determined Ivory Coast team shattered their dreams.

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Their former coach, Jose Peseiro, implemented a pragmatic style, which received criticism from some fans. Although it worked for most of the tournament, it backfired in the final, per the BBC.

William Troost-Ekong opened the scoring but they conceded twice in the second half. Their attempt to make a comeback fell short.

With Victor Osimhen in their squad, Finidi has an opportunity to construct a more attacking team in the coming months and years.

Next month, they face South Africa and Benin in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and the team will be under pressure to secure six points.

Finidi's plan for Nigeria's Super Eagles

Speaking to Brila FM, Finidi said he plans to build a better team than what Nigerians saw at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.

"By the time we get to the AFCON or World Cup proper, we will build a stronger team that is even stronger than the team that played the last AFCON. It is a work in progress, bit by bit. Those who can add value will definitely come on board to see how they can help us."

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Nigeria boasts some of the best African footballers. In its ranks, it has Osimhen - the African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman - the 2024 Europa League champion, and Victor Boniface - the Bundesliga champion.

Super Eagles fans will be expecting more from the team after seeing them reach the AFCON final for the first time since 2013.

Finidi confident ahead of Nigeria vs South Africa

Sports Brief also reported on Finidi expressing his confidence in Nigeria's chances against South Africa.

The AFCON winner believes his team can beat Bafana Bafana because the team possessed more quality.