Super Eagles coach Finidi George sets sights on 2026 World Cup qualification with South Africa lurking

Finidi George, newly appointed head coach of the Super Eagles, is determined to rally all support towards securing Nigeria’s place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Speaking shortly after his appointment, the outgoing coach of Enyimba International of Aba expressed his enthusiasm for the role and assured his commitment to steering Nigeria to World Cup qualification.

The former Ajax Amsterdam winger, however, insists he needs the support of his employers and Nigerians to meet his targets.

“I am happy with my appointment as Super Eagles Head Coach and I believe with the support of NFF and Nigerians, we shall achieve a lot. I still have to meet with the NFF and tidy up things before I have a formal media chat,” Finidi said, as per Complete Sports.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) formally announced Finidi George as the head coach of the Super Eagles, entrusting him with the task of navigating the team through the challenging 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers.

Currently positioned third in Group C, with two points from two matches, the Super Eagles trail behind Rwanda and South Africa.
Nigeria drew with Lesotho and Zimbabwe in the first two matches in the qualifying series in November.

With crucial matches against South Africa and Benin Republic approaching in June, Finidi faces the urgent task of revitalizing Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations.

When making Finidi’s appointment official, the NFF made it clear that qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, is Finidi’s top objective.

“George’s immediate task will be to guide the Super Eagles to victory in two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic in Uyo and Abidjan respectively, in a little over five weeks,” the NFF said.

“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.”

Finidi George’s appointment comes after careful consideration, amid competition from notable contenders such as Emmanuel Amuneke and Pep Guardiola’s ex-analyst Domenec Torrent.