I want to qualify Super Eagles for 2026 World Cup – Finidi George

Newly appointed Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George, has promised to lead Nigeria to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 53-year-old led Enyimba International to victory in the Nigeria Professional Football League in his debut season as a head coach while serving as Jose Peseiro’s assistant with the national team.

He took over the reins on the Super Eagles touchline on an interim basis after Peseiro’s contract with the Nigeria Football Federation expired, and today, the former Ajax winger was unveiled as the permanent head coach of the three-time AFCON winners.

Following his appointment, the former Real Betis man outlined his plans for the Nigerian football team, with a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the crux.

“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 the 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,” Finidi said in quotes released by the NFF.

Finidi’s integration into the team as head coach should be easy. Having served as an assistant and interim coach, he has developed a good rapport with the majority of the players. William Troost-Ekong previously mentioned that the former Enyimba coach is too humble, considering what he’s achieved.

“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. I will try my best to ensure the team starts functioning properly and we start winning games again,” the former Ipswich Town winger added.

Nigeria are currently third in their World Cup qualifying group with two points from two games after disappointing draws against Zimbabwe and Lesotho.