Why Finidi was named coach of the Super Eagles

The Nigerian Football Federation has said new Super Eagles coach Finidi George’s impressive track record earned him the job.

After leading Nigeria in two international friendlies in March, the Glass House appointed Finidi as the team’s head coach.

He beat his compatriot Emmanuel Amuneke and others to the position.

Revealing what stood out about the former Ajax winger, NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, stated that his experience working as an assistant coach to Portuguese coach José Peseiro was crucial

“I am not a member of the Technical Committee, but I can also see many positive aspects around Finidi George.” Olajire told Hotsports.

“Finidi George was not only a great football player, but he prepared very well and did not hurt himself with the laurels he was able to acquire in his short period as coach.

“Belonging to the Super Águilas, he worked for twenty months as José Peseiro’s assistant, that gives him an advantage over anyone. He worked closely with the team, was with the team when they qualified for the AFCON and came second in the AFCON.

“It’s natural that someone of this stature, someone who has achieved these things and who has been very close to the team gets the nod, considering we only have five weeks for very important matches,” Olajire told Hotsports.

He also praised Finidi’s decision to return to Nigeria and begin his coaching career with the Aba Elephants.

“He had the option of staying in Spain and making an appointment with a second division club, but he decided to return to Nigeria and start with an NPFL club.

“It started with Enyimba. In his second season he won the league title. It’s not easy to win the league title so we have to praise him for that and looking at the record now, this is his third season with the team and with four games left he is on course to retain the title.

“This is no small feat and shows that this is a man who knows what he is doing,” he said.

With less than five weeks to go until the crucial World Cup qualifiers against South Africa, Finidi is expected to put the team in charge after early draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.