Ex Super Eagles Defender Slams NFF’s Decision to Sack Finidi George, Hire Foreign Technical Adviser

Ex Super Eagles Defender Slams NFF’s Decision to Sack Finidi George, Hire Foreign Technical Adviser

Ero Samson
updated at June 14, 2024 at 11:07 AM
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  • The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is set to appoint a foreign technical adviser for the current Super Eagles team
  • The incoming technical adviser is poised to replace the current coach, Finidi George, following the poor results recorded
  • An ex-player of the Nigeria team has criticised the NFF for their decision to replace Finidi following the defeat vs Benin

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The Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) recent decision to appoint a foreign technical adviser in place of Finidi George has sparked controversy among key stakeholders in Nigerian football.

This move comes in the wake of disappointing results by the Super Eagles in recent fixtures against South Africa and the Benin Republic.

Nigeria, Super Eagles, NFF, Finidi George, Azubike Egwueke, Coach, AFCON, FIFA World Cup
Nigeria's coach, Finidi George, sings the national anthem ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers match against Benin at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium on June 10, 2024. Image: Issouf Sanogo.
Source: Getty Images

In a statement released by the NFF media, it was announced that the three-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winners would be under the guidance of a foreign technical adviser for their upcoming qualification matches.

This decision would potentially lead to a reduced role for Finidi within the team or even his departure from the coaching setup.

However, former Super Eagles defender, Azubike Egwueke, has openly criticised the NFF's choice to replace the 53-year-old manager.

Egwueke criticises NFF’s decision

In an interview captured by PunchSport, the 2013 AFCON champion voiced his concern over the hasty decision made by the NFF, highlighting its uncertain prospects for success.

"How confident are they that the foreign coach will secure victories in the remaining six games?" questioned the retired defender.
"I'm deeply disappointed because we don't necessarily need a foreign coach. Finidi has only overseen two competitive matches, resulting in one draw and one loss.
They should have given him more time. I believe he deserved greater support."

The former SuperSport United star emphasised the potential repercussions of this decision on players from the domestic league.

"Moreover, this move will likely sideline homegrown talent, as foreign coaches often overlook the NPFL."

Egwueke himself emerged from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) before pursuing opportunities in South Africa and, subsequently Europe.

NFF discloses new plans for Super Eagles

Sports Brief in another report detailed the NFF's new strategy for the Super Eagles.

The federation hinted at bolstering the team’s scouting set-up, as well as ensuring a massive influx of Nigeria-eligible players.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).
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Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)