Is Finidi George the man to lead the Super Eagles? – A new era beckons

Jose Peseiro’s contract with the Nigerian Football Federation expired in February after the Super Eagles secured a silver medal in Ivory Coast, Soccernet.ng reports.

In March, Finidi George was chosen to lead the team on an interim basis, and questions whirled all over the media, with fans torn between two sides.

While some wanted a proven foreign winner to restore Nigeria to her football peak, others wanted a Nigerian coach, citing Stephen Keshi’s excellence at the 2013 AFCON tournament as a reason to turn the tides in favour of a local coach one more time.

Two months later, the NFF appointed Finidi George permanently, handing him the huge responsibility of leading the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and questions about his capabilities rose again.

The pressure of being the Super Eagles coach

Football in Nigeria is so much more than a game. For a country with ups and downs since her inception, the beautiful game has served and still serves as a unifier for everyone.

The old, young, disabled, and people from different tribes all unite at a front for ninety minutes, echoing the national anthem with hands on their neighbours’ shoulders to support the Super Eagles whenever they play.

Football is a distraction from real life for these people. I witnessed this firsthand on a university campus during the AFCON 2023 tournament. Despite the economic hardships, a few people came together to host a “Watch-along” for the final against Ivory Coast.

The euphoria was palpable when William Troost-Ekong scored, but it quickly turned to heartbreak when Sebastien Haller’s goal dashed Nigeria’s hopes of securing a fourth AFCON title. The aftermath was a sombre return to reality, with fans quietly dispersing, some in silent reflection, others voicing their frustration.

For this reason, the task of being coach of the Nigerian Super Eagles is beyond what goes on in the field of play. The happiness, hopes, and joy of over 200 million Nigerians rest on the shoulders of the Super Eagles coach and his team whenever they set out to play.

Is Finidi George the man to lead the Super Eagles?

Following Jose Peseiro’s departure, Finidi was appointed on an interim basis to take charge of Nigeria’s friendly games against Ghana and Mali. He won the hearts of Nigerians with a convincing display against Ghana, defeating the Black Stars with a 2-1 score.

The playful jollof banter on social media, with Nigerians revelling in their triumph by throwing shades at their Ghanian neighbours, but Finidi was left with a bitter aftertaste against Mali when the team lost 2-0.

A few months down the line, the NFF appointed the former Ajax winger as the permanent coach of the Super Eagles, following just two games as a test and one couldn’t help but wonder if he’s the right man to lead Nigeria to the next FIFA World Cup.

A few days ago at Eko Hotel and Suites, Finidi stepped up to speak with the Nigerian press about his appointment for the Super Eagles. His towering presence when he walked into the room didn’t make it hard for him to be recognised.

With curiosity, he penned down each question directed to him and answered concisely about how he intends to take the Super Eagles back to the top. His manner of approach was almost perfect, seemingly gentle, and gave no wrong answers.

As Finidi spoke, hope filled the room and the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, as the media now wait for the former Real Betis winger to walk the talk with Nigeria’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the Benin Republic.

Some tough questions like the inclusion of home-based players and the team’s captaincy resolve, but instead of giving a direct answer, Finidi spoke with clarity, citing his experience as a retired footballer, before deciding on who the captain would be.

One of Our Own

After the press conference, I spoke with a few journalists about their thoughts on Finidi’s appointment and expectations and one thought resounded through several minds – One of our own.

With Finidi at the helm of affairs, almost everyone feels included and understood. Nigerians are willing to give a local coach a chance, and I think he’s worth the shot.

In contrast, Ivory Coast’s journey in AFCON 2023 offers a parallel. Jean-Louis Gasset was fired mid-tournament, and one of their own, Emerse Faé. With Faé, there was a sense of unity, and togetherness, of what it means to be Ivorian.

As a player, Finidi has the experience and has been the assistant manager of the team for the past two years. His rapport and relationship with the players without a doubt will ease him into setting the tone right for glory with the Super Eagles.