Finidi George Set for Fresh Start in Coaching After Resigning as Super Eagles Coach

Finidi George Set for Fresh Start in Coaching After Resigning as Super Eagles Coach

Chukwu Ikechukwu
updated at July 1, 2024 at 7:10 AM
In this article:
Nigeria Premier League logo
NGA Premier League
Nigeria
Nigeria logo
Nigeria
Nigeria
21
Rivers United logo
Rivers United
Nigeria
20
Enyimba logo
Enyimba
Nigeria
29
Super Eagles logo
Super Eagles
South Africa
  • Finidi George could be set to return to coaching barely a month after resigning as head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles
  • The 53-year-old's national managerial reign coach lasted only 40 days after two poor results in the World Cup qualifiers
  • Finidi is reportedly being considered by Nigeria Professional Football League club, Rivers United, to become their new coach

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Finidi George could return to coaching weeks after resigning as head coach of the Super Eagles, with a return to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on the agenda for the former Real Betis star.

The 53-year-old manager was appointed as the Nigerian national team's head coach in May, but his tenure quickly turned sour after two poor results in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June.

Finidi George, Nigeria, Super Eagles, Rivers United, Enyimba
Rivers United are reportedly interested in hiring Finidi George as their head coach ahead of the 2024/25 NPFL season. Photo by Issouf Sanogo.
Source: Getty Images

Under his tutelage, Finidi led the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw with South Africa at home and then suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Benin Republic, raising questions about his ability to lead the team.

According to Soccernet, the underfire coach quickly resigned. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) originally denied receiving his resignation letter before acknowledging it and launching the search for a new coach.

The NFF are yet to find Finidi’s replacement with several names reportedly linked with the Super Eagles job.

Finidi set for NPFL return

Meanwhile, Finidi could be set for a return to the NPFL as Rivers United are considering hiring the former Super Eagles coach as their next manager ahead of the 2024/25 season, Daily Post reports.

The Pride of Rivers wants to ring changes to their technical team after struggling in the league, finishing outside the top spots and failing to secure a continental ticket for the first time in three years.

Finidi, who led Enyimba to the 2023 NPFL title, left the People's Elephants in May to focus solely on the Super Eagles job, although his time with Nigeria's senior national side did not go as planned.

Finidi confirms his Enyimba resignation

Sports Brief also previously reported that Finidi denied he would manage Enyimba and juggle his national team responsibilities, affirming his commitment.

The former Ajax winger, who led Enyimba to a Nigeria Professional Football League title last year, affirmed his total focus to coaching the Super Eagles squad.

During his time as assistant coach to Jose Peseiro, Finidi also managed the local club but said he would be stepping away from the local role this time around.

Authors
Chukwu Ikechukwu photo
Chukwu Ikechukwu
Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a journalist with over 9 years of experience in the Nigerian media industry. He has worked both in Radio (Today FM, Rhythm FM, Wish FM) and Television (Silverbird TV) as a Sports Analyst..