Finidi George: Nigeria Coach 'Painfully' Opens Up on Regret of Not Joining Real Madrid

• New Nigeria head coach, Finidi George, has disclosed the reason behind his failed move to Spanish giants, Real Madrid
• The former Ajax and Super Eagles winger was set for a move to the Spanish capital but ended up joining Real Betis
• The 53-year-old enjoyed a successful career, winning several trophies, including the Africa Cup of Nations and the UCL

Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, has expressed disappointment at not joining Spanish giants, Real Madrid, during his playing days.

The former Nigerian international was close to joining Los Blancos from Ajax in the mid-90s but the move collapsed at the eleventh hour.

George ended up joining Real Betis, where he became a club legend, making over a century of appearances in four years in Spain.

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Despite his exploits in Spain, the now head coach of the Super Eagles said not signing for the European champions remains the biggest regret of his career.

"My only regret was not signing for Real Madrid," the former Ajax winger told Brilla FM.

When asked why the move did not happen, he replied:

"I think money issues. The Real Madrid we see today is not the same 25 years ago. They were struggling with money and they couldn't reach an agreement with Ajax."

Although his dream of joining Real Madrid did not come true, the Super Eagles gaffer enjoyed an illustrious career, winning the Africa Cup of Nations, three league titles at Ajax, and the UEFA Champions League, per Transfermarkt.

The former Ipswich player was announced as the head coach of Nigeria in May 2024 following the departure of Portuguese trainer, Jose Peseiro.

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The Super Eagles will host South Africa on Friday, June 7, in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers before travelling to face the Benin Republic three days later for their second game of the window.

Finidi George backed for success as Nigeria coach

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that former Nigeria international, Oladimeji Lawal backed coach, Finidi George, to live up to expectations as the Super Eagles gaffer.

After his appointment by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) last month, the 53-year-old was officially unveiled at the helm of the national team last month.

Finidi will lead the Super Eagles against South Africa and Benin in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month, with Nigeria third in their group currently.