Finidi George: Former Nigeria Star Welcomes Idea of Sacking Super Eagles Coach

• Nigeria were held to a draw by South Africa and suffered a painful defeat to Benin in their latest 2026 World Cup qualifiers
• Finidi George, who was appointed less than two months ago, has come under pressure following the two poor results
• Former Super Eagles star, Sam Sodje, is not impressed with the work Finidi has done so far and wants him fired

Many fans lost faith in Finidi George after Nigeria's defeat to Benin on Monday, June 10, in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Despite being in the job for less than two months, Finidi is already under pressure after earning a point from the South Africa and Benin matches.

Former Super Eagles international, Sam Sodje, has controversially claimed that sacking Finidi might be a welcome idea.

The biggest World Cup snubs: A list of footballers left out of their countries’ World Cup squad

Football

Finidi was appointed coach in April after leading the team in an interim capacity during the March international break. he was tasked with winning the Bafana Bafana and Benin match but failed to do so.

Ironically, Benin are coached by their former coach, Gernot Rohr, who was in Finidi's position between 2016 and 2021.

Nigeria have not won any of their four matches in qualifying, which is the worst possible start for the West African giants.

In addition, they missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and missing another showpiece would be bad for the Super Eagles, considering they have one of the best squads in the continent.

However, with six games left, the three-time African champions can kickstart their campaign. Group winners automatically qualify for the tournament in North America, per ESPN.

Should Finidi George be sacked?

“It Will Be Difficult”: Ghana Coach Otto Addo Wary of Mali Threat

Football

Finidi was criticized after the Benin defeat, with some calling for his firing. Former Nigeria star, Sam Sodje, said it is not a bad idea, according to Brila.

"Coaches are being judged on results. He has not got his results right now. Our aim is to qualify for the World Cup. If we keep going the way we are going, we won't qualify."

"So it's not about Finidi, George. It's about what we want. So, yes, sacking him might not be the worst idea because we need to be in the World Cup."

Although Sodje wanted to see a local coach, he believes Finidi's ideas changed the way he saw him as a coach.

"I wanted a home-based coach, but when I heard him talk about you, don't need a system, philosophy that really got me bad. that's why I think he is not the right guy because of his mentality of the way he sees the game, and they're seen from his game as well."

Former Nigeria Coach Samson Siasia Advises Super Eagles Players How to Approach South Africa Clash

Football

Nigeria face Rwanda in March 2025 in their next qualifier. Will Finidi still be the coach?

Yakubu backs Finidi George

Sports Brief earlier reported on former Nigeria striker, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, backing Finidi despite his latest setbacks.

The former Everton striker reiterated that coaching the Super Eagles is difficult, and Finidi needs all the support.