Super Eagles Coach: Friday Ekpo Expresses Displeasure With NFF’s Handling of Finidi George’s Sacking

• The Nigeria Football Federation has announced plans to appoint a new technical adviser to replace Finidi George
• The former Enyimba coach was appointed as manager following an extensive recruitment process at the end of April
• An ex-Super Eagles midfielder has voiced his dissatisfaction with the swift decision-making process of the federation

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has come under scrutiny following its recent announcement of the impending appointment of a new technical adviser to replace Finidi George as the coach of the Super Eagles.

The NFF cited the lacklustre performance of the Super Eagles during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign as the primary reason for this decision, indicating a strong desire to improve the team's performance.

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However, this decision by the NFF has not been well-received by former Super Eagles midfielder, Friday Ekpo, who has expressed his disappointment.

The 54-year-old has bashed the hasty nature of the judgement, questioning the rationale behind it.

Ekpo criticises NFF’s decision on Finidi

In an interview with PunchSport, the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) bronze medalist highlighted what he viewed as a impulsive decision to replace Finidi.

He questioned whether the same action would have been taken if a foreign manager had overseen the two fixtures against South Africa and the Benin Republic.

"So, what will they do if the foreigner they are bringing loses or draws his first game? Sack him? They are not serious; they should allow Finidi to build for the future," he said.

"They should think about the long term; bringing in an expatriate as a technical adviser is the wrong thing to do. When Peseiro was here and was losing, did they employ a technical adviser for him?

Friday Ekpo rallies support for Finidi George ahead of South Africa and Benin fixtures

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"You gave him a job to do, and in less than two months, you are bringing someone else to boss him. Something is wrong somewhere," Ekpo added.

Ekpo's sentiments seem to strike a chord with some stakeholders in the country's football community, who have continued to criticise the timing and hastiness of Finidi's appointment and apparent sacking.

Egwueke slams NFF’s decision on Finidi

Sports Brief also reported on former defender for Nigeria, Azubike Egwueke, criticising the NFF over the decision to appoint a foreign technical director.

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner with the Super Eagles spoke on the negative impact this decision would have on the country's long-term football.