BY EZEOCHA NZEH
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has declared that it gave the new Super Eagles coach, George Finidi to pick his assistants
President of the federation, Ibrahim Gusau, who made the disclosure while unveiling the new Super Eagles coach at a ceremony in Abuja expressed the NFF satisfaction with the former Real Betis and Super Eagles winger:s appointment
Gusau revealed further that Finidi, who was elevated from his former position of assistant coach, has already picked former Super Eagles assistant coach, Daniel Amokachi and Benjamin James, as assistants, as well as Olatunji Baruwa (goalkeepers’ trainer), Chima Onyeike (Fitness Trainer) and Turkish Mehmet Ozturk as Analyst.
George, who evinced quiet confidence all through, stated that he will invite for international assignments, only players who feature regularly at their clubs either in Nigeria or in the diaspora, and promised that the Super Eagles will remain even more competitive in the years ahead.
He pledged that the eagles would target six points from it’s next two world cup qualifying games Bafana and Cheetahs
Gusau said; “When we returned from the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, we began the search for a new Head Coach. There was a plethora of foreign applicants, far more than the indigenous applicants. However, we undertook a thorough process that has produced an indigenous Coach and we are very happy about that. Finidi George was part of the technical crew that came close to winning the AFCON, and we have faith in him that he will lead the team to the title next time.”.
Speaking on his target, Finidi said; “Our objective now is to ensure the enthronement of excellence at all levels of the National Teams.”
“My first target is to make sure that we are in line to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by winning the upcoming two matches against South Africa and Benin Republic. The 2025 AFCON qualifiers will soon start and we must also be prepared for those as well. I know what the NFF wants as it is boldly written in the contract, and I will work very hard to add value to the team and put myself in the position to earn even more than I will be earning from the take-off.”
On relationship with the players, George said: “I have always had a cordial relationship with all the players as an assistant coach. I am still the same person even as Head Coach now, only that the title has changed. There will be no controversy regarding relationships with the players. These are professional players and we have to give them what they’re used to in Europe; you don’t need to slap anyone to get him to do the right thing.
“I will try my best to ensure the team starts functioning properly and we start winning games again. There is no pressure on me; I have tough skin. I just want to call for your support. I know this is not an easy job, but with the support of everyone, we can achieve our objectives.”
