Super Eagles Coaching: Victor Ezeji Criticises NFF’s Decision to Let Go of Finidi George

• The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) recently opted to part ways with Finidi George as coach of the Super Eagles
• The 53-year-old stepped down from his role following the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification fixture against Benin
• Former player of the Nigerian team, Victor Ezeji, has criticized the NFF for parting ways with the 53-year-old manager

The Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) decision to part ways with Finidi George has sparked mixed reactions from many stakeholders in the country's football community.

The 53-year-old opted to step down following disappointing results recorded in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against South Africa and the Republic of Benin.

In the wake of Finidi's resignation, former Super Eagles striker, Victor Ezeji, has criticised the NFF for allowing the departure of the former Enyimba coach.

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Ezeji criticise NFF for Finidi's departure

In an interview with Brila.net, the 43-year-old expressed his concerns about the federation's decision to dismiss Finidi.

The former striker compared Finidi's brief tenure to that of Jose Peseiro, who lost three of his first five games as manager of the Super Eagles.

"The problem we have in our country is that we are quick to undermine our own.

Peseiro lost three of his first five matches, yet we gave him a year to manage our team. Finidi lost two of his first four games, and we rushed to replace him. What does that tell you?"

Ezeji argued that Finidi should have been given ample time to complete the qualification series.

"In my opinion, they should have allowed Finidi to finish the qualification series. If he failed to qualify, then we would know how to hold him accountable."

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Referring to the Super Eagles' qualification campaign, the former Crown FC striker continued:

"Now we've gone from Peseiro's two games to Finidi's two games. If the new appointee fails to qualify, how can you hold him accountable? He didn't start the qualification series."

Ezeji concluded by stressing that the decision to let go of Finidi was a significant mistake.

The 43-year-old's sentiments echoed those of former Real Madrid midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju, who, in an interview with Sports Brief, urged the NFF against dismissing Finidi.

Italian coach expresses interest in managing Nigeria

Sports Brief in another report stated Italian manager, Roberto Landi, declared his interest in coaching the Super Eagles.

The 68-year-old took to social media to highlight a series of reasons why he believes he is qualified to manage the Nigerian team.