Finidi George: Veteran Super Eagles Defender Calls for Support for Newly Appointed Head Coach

• Former Super Eagles defender Efetobore Peter Sodje urges national support for Finidi George
• Finidi announced his squad for World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic
• Nigeria needs a win against South Africa on June 7th to boost their 2026 World Cup chances

Former Nigeria defender, Efetobore Peter Sodje, has appealed to Nigerians to rally behind the newly-appointed head coach, Finidi George.

Sodje, renowned for his distinctive "against all odds" bandana during his playing career, earned 12 caps and scored one goal for the national team, despite being born in England.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) recently appointed Finidi with the mission of leading the country to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Last weekend, the 53-year-old released his 23-man squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers against the Benin Republic and South Africa.

Finidi George: Newly Appointed Head Coach Vows to Qualify Super Eagles for 2026 World Cup

Football

Sodje stressed the importance of unity and support, urging trust in the former Ajax star's managerial decisions.

"We should pray and be positive about his choices, hoping he gets the results needed to take us to the World Cup. I wish him good luck and hope for the right results," Sodje said, as reported by Brila.

Per All Africa, the Super Eagles will commence their World Cup qualifying journey on Friday, June 7, as they host South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. On Monday, June 10, they will travel to Abidjan to take on Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny.

Finidi has crafted a clear strategy to defeat the 2023 AFCON bronze medalists. However, they are under pressure to deliver, having drawn their initial Group C qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Lesotho.

He was part of the coaching team that led Nigeria to a victory over South Africa in the 2023 AFCON semi-finals and understands the challenges ahead. The team's triumph came through a tense penalty shootout against a Hugo Broos-managed side, per CAF.

Finidi reportedly lists Troost-Ekong, Boniface in Super Eagles squad

Football

Finidi promises World Cup ticket

Sports Brief reported that Finidi vowed to qualify the Super Eagles for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

In his first address as the permanent head coach, the former Real Betis player outlined his ambitious plans.

On top of the list is leading Nigeria back to the biggest football competition in the world.