Super Eagles striker Onuachu gives insights on Finidi George’s coaching style ahead of South Africa clash

Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu has revealed that one key attribute of the new coach Finidi George is his great man management skills, Soccernet.ng reports.

After an illustrious career, Finidi has been in and around the Super Eagles coaching position in the last two years. The former Enyimba gaffer served as an assistant for over 20 months before getting appointed as the interim coach in March. Then, he got the job fully in April.

Finidi already led Nigeria to two games against South Africa and Mali in March, but he has a proper baptism of fire ahead of him, as Nigeria play South Africa and Benin in two crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Friday.

There have been concerns raised about Finidi's capability because of his lack of experience. However, Southampton striker Onuachu has doused such fears.

He has revealed that Finidi has been hands on so far, and he has maintained a good relationship with the players.

“I think he is a coach who gives players confidence, who makes players relaxed,” Onuachu told Modo Victor.

“He's not the kind of coach who puts pressure on players. When I came, every player was relaxed, every player was confident, he talks to you when he needs to, he corrects you when he needs to, including his staff.

“I think they all know what they are doing and I think it's a very good step for the Super Eagles having Finidi as a coach and his staff.

“He gives the players what they want, he gives the players confidence, and it's all left for us the players to really pay him back because he gives us a lot of confidence to execute by ourselves and also work with his tactics.”

Nigeria is condemned to beat South Africa when both teams clash on Friday, as a loss could jeopardize their chances of playing at the 2026 World Cup.