The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board has endorsed the recommendation of its Technical and Development Committee to appoint Finidi George as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles.
George, who served as an assistant to coach José Santos Peseiro for 20 months, assumed the role of interim coach during two recent friendly matches in Morocco. In his debut match, Nigeria defeated Ghana 2-1, breaking an 18-year winless streak against the Black Stars. However, the team suffered a 0-2 loss to Mali in the second game.
A prominent member of Nigeria's acclaimed 'Golden Generation,' George was part of the victorious 1994 Africa Cup of Nations team and played a pivotal role in Nigeria's debut at the FIFA World Cup in the USA the same year. With 62 international caps, George also earned medals in multiple AFCON tournaments.
The 52-year-old former Ajax Amsterdam and Real Betis forward began his international career with a memorable debut goal against Burkina Faso in 1991. Notably, he assisted Rashidi Yekini in scoring Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal against Bulgaria in 1994.
George's immediate focus is guiding the Super Eagles to victory in upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic. Currently placed third in Group C, Nigeria faces crucial fixtures in Uyo and Abidjan within the next five weeks.