Antonio Conceicao Tops NFF’s Reported List of Replacements for Finidi George As Super Eagles Coach

• The Nigerian national team looks set to be appointed a new manager following their underwhelming FIFA qualification campaign
• The Super Eagles, led by Finidi George, stumbled to a loss against the Republic of Benin after being held to a draw by South Africa
• A report detailing one of the candidates the Nigeria Football Federation are reportedly considering to replace Finidi has surfaced

The Finidi George era with the Super Eagles of Nigeria appears to be ending almost as quickly as it began.

The 53-year-old, appointed as the West Africans' manager on April 29, could be relegated to the role of an assistant coach following disappointing results in the two matches under his leadership.

The former Enyimba manager, tasked with leading Nigeria to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, failed to meet expectations, with the team recording a draw and a defeat to significantly jeopardise their qualification chances.

Finidi makes last-minute change to Super Eagles squad for South Africa, Benin games

Football

In the wake of these results, widespread reports in Nigeria's football community suggest that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is considering appointing a technical adviser to effectively replace Finidi as head coach.

Score Nigeria has identified the leading candidate reportedly favoured by the federation to take over the role.

NFF's reported pick to replace Finidi

According to the report from the media outlet, the members of the NFF hierarchy are leaning towards the appointment of Portuguese gaffer, Antonio Conceicao.

The 62-year-old was dubbed the prime candidate to lead the Nigerian team following the departure of Jose Peseiro; however, the NFF opted for Finidi instead.

Conceicao is vastly experienced on the African continent, with his most recent success coming with the Cameroonian national team, where he led them to bronze at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Per data courtesy of Footy Stat, his record with the Indomitable Lions stands at 11 victories and five draws in the 17 games he oversaw.

Ndidi publicly supports Finidi George ahead of Nigeria’s games vs South Africa and Benin

Football

NFF eyes new coach for Super Eagles

Sports Brief also reported that the NFF is looking to appoint a foreign manager for the Super Eagles.

The federation only recently appointed Finidi as a coach after a lengthy recruitment process in April.

He also served as assistant to former coach Peseiro during his 22-month stint as Nigeria's manager.