BREAKING: NGF announces Finidi George as new Super Eagles head coach

The Nigeria Football Federation has appointed former Super Eagles winger Finidi George as the new head coach of the nation’s senior men’s national team.

The announcement came in a statement on Monday, with the NFF Board approving the recommendation of its Technical and Development Committee to hand over the reins to the 52-year-old former Ajax Amsterdam and Real Betis forward.

Finidi George, who spent 20 months as an assistant to the outgoing José Santos Peseiro, had been serving as the interim coach after the Portuguese tactician’s departure following the Super Eagles’ impressive run to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

During his interim tenure, George oversaw two friendly matches in Morocco last month, where the team ended an 18-year winless streak against Ghana with a 2-1 victory before suffering a 0-2 loss to Mali.

“George, a member of the so-styled ‘Golden Generation’ that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Tunisia and emerged as the second most entertaining team in Nigeria’s debut at the FIFA World Cup finals in USA the same year, won 62 caps for Nigeria, including featuring at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals,” the NFF statement read.

Reflecting on his illustrious playing career, the statement highlighted George’s achievements, which include “gold, silver and bronze medals from the 1992, 1994, 2000 and 2002 AFCON tournaments.”

One of George’s most memorable moments came when he “assisted Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory) to score Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal against Bulgaria in Dallas, USA on 19th June 1994,” the statement noted.

The new Super Eagles boss’s immediate task will be to guide the team to victory in two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and the Benin Republic in Uyo and Abidjan, respectively, within the next five weeks.

The NFF statement emphasised that “the matches are must-win encounters, with the Super Eagles lagging behind in third place in Group C of the African campaign behind Rwanda and South Africa.”

Makua Ubanagu
Makuachukwu reports politics, business, sports and metro with a year experience on the job.

Credit- Punch

Former Nigerian football icon, Daniel Amokachi, has voiced his enthusiasm for the upcoming 2024 edition of the Adron Games, marking his participation in the prestigious event. Amokachi praised the tournament as a miniature National Sports Festival, highlighting its ability to unite athletes from all corners of the country.

Expressing his delight, Amokachi remarked, “It’s an honor to be part of the Adron Games 2024. The event serves as a showcase for the abundance of sporting talent within Nigeria. It’s like a mini National Sports Festival, where athletes of all ages come together to compete.”

Encouraging sports enthusiasts, Corporate bodies, and the general public to embrace the event’s festive atmosphere, Amokachi emphasized the importance of seizing the opportunity to enjoy and experience the Games fully. He also stressed the significance of supporting initiatives like the Adron Games in advancing sports development nationwide.

Scheduled to commence in June and extend through August 2024, with the National finals set for November in Ibadan, Oyo State, the Adron Games Championship promises to be bigger and better than ever. According to Oladapo Emmanuel, Director of Operations at the Adron Sports Foundation, the tournament will feature over 64 teams competing in the football championship, with the winners advancing to the prestigious National finals.

Emmanuel further highlighted the broader objectives of the Adron Games, emphasizing its role in fostering team spirit, facilitating networking opportunities, and promoting a sense of responsibility among participants. With the backing of Adron Sports Foundation, a subsidiary of the renowned Nigerian real estate giant, Adron Homes and Properties Limited, the event aims to create lasting memories and ensure everyone involved has a fulfilling experience.

As anticipation builds for the 2024 edition of the Adron Games, the endorsement of Daniel Amokachi underscores the event’s significance within the Nigerian sporting landscape. Stay tuned for updates and coverage as the tournament unfolds, promising thrills, excitement, and a celebration of sporting excellence.

Nigeria Football Federation, has officially appointed Super Eagles Legend Emmanuel Amunike as the New head coach of the Nigeria national team Super Eagles.