Super Eagles Coach: NFF Chief Calls for Fans’ Patience Amid Search for Finidi George’s Replacement

Super Eagles Coach: NFF Chief Calls for Fans’ Patience Amid Search for Finidi George’s Replacement

Ero Samson
updated at June 26, 2024 at 5:12 PM
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  • The Super Eagles of Nigeria are poised to welcome a new manager following the recent departure of Finidi George
  • Enthusiastic supporters have been actively discussing potential candidates who could best lead the Nigerian team
  • A member of the NFF congress has called for patience among fans as the federation continues its search for the ideal coach

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Discussions continue to intensify as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) searches for a suitable replacement for Finidi George.

The 53-year-old decided to step down as manager of the Super Eagles after disappointing results in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against South Africa and the Republic of Benin.

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finalists are on the verge of missing out on the World Cup in the Americas, prompting concerned fans to urge the NFF to hire a top-tier manager to ensure the Super Eagles' qualification.

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set welcome a new coach following the departure of Finidi George in the aftermath of the qualification fixture against Benin. Image: Issouf Sanogo.
Source: Getty Images

However, amid the growing demands from fans, a member of the NFF congress has called for patience as the federation continues its search for the right manager.

NFF chief urges calm as search for coach intensifies

In an interview reported by AllNigeriaSoccer, NFF congress member, Alhaji Idris Abdullahi Musa, urged the Nigerian public to remain patient and allow the federation to make their decision.

"I think we should wait for the federation to communicate with us. For now, the Federation has not spoken to any coach."

He emphasised that the federation is not currently in discussions with any candidates, including Herve Renard, who has been speculated as a potential replacement for Finidi George.

"I met with the Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation and the Technical Committee last week. I can confirm that the Federation has not spoken to any coach. The president of the Nigerian Federation follows protocol, allowing the technical committee to complete their work before reporting back to him," he concluded.

Nigeria missed out on the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and now risks missing the 2026 edition. They currently sit fifth in their Group C standings, ahead of only Zimbabwe, according to data from Fotmob.

Coaches NFF considered before appointing Finidi

Sports Brief in a previous report detailed a list of coaches considered by the NFF before Finidi's appointment.

The list features veteran Sevilla manager Joaquin Caparros, among other European coaches.

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)