Finidi George Opens Up on His Relationship With Former Nigeria Coach Jose Peseiro

• Finidi George has said his relationship with former Nigeria coach, Jose Peseiro, was good
• The Portuguese coached the Super Eagles for 22 months alongside his assistant, Finidi
• The 1994 AFCON winner was named as Peseiro's replacement nearly a month ago

Nigeria coach, Finidi George, has looked back at his relationship with former Super Eagles boss, Jose Peseiro.

Finidi was Peseiro's assistant on the Nigerian national team for 22 months before the Portuguese left earlier this year.

The two led Nigeria to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, but they lost to hosts Ivory Coast.

When Peseiro left his role at the end of February 2023, Finidi was given the role on an interim basis before he got the job permanently in April, per BBC.

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Finidi coached the team during the March international break but will take charge of his first games as permanent head coach next month.

Speaking to Brila, the 1994 AFCON winner said his relationship with the Portuguese was good.

"Our relationship was fantastic. When I joined the Super Eagles almost two years ago. He didn't know why I was there. He thought I was coming for his job. But when he saw that I was there to work with him and help him, we became closer.

He disclosed that Peseiro congratulated him after he got the Super Eagles role.

"When he left, he sent me a message, hoping I would be the next man. When the announcement was made. He called me and congratulated me. Our relationship remains very cordial and good to this day."

Finidi will lead Nigeria next month in the 2026 qualifiers against South Africa.

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Finidi told to retain team

Sports Brief earlier reported on former Nigeria international, Alloy Agu, urging Finidi to retain the squad that played at the 2023 AFCON as he begins his tenure as coach.

Agu feels the team will have better continuity than making wholesale changes to the squad. He said Finidi can make minor adjustments.

Olofinjana discusses Finidi's contract

Sports Brief also reported on ex-Nigeria star, Seyi Olofinjana, questioning the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for handing Finidi a short-term deal.

The former Premier League star believes the NFF had to give the new coach a longer contract to show their trust in him.