“We don’t want excuses” – More troubles for Finidi as NFF gets a one-week deadline on four target areas

Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has revealed his displeasure with the Nigeria Football Federation and head coach Finidi George over the current state of affairs of the Super Eagles coach, Soccernet.ng reports.

Finidi led the Super Eagles to a disappointing draw against South Africa and an embarrassing loss to the Benin Republic a few days ago to put Nigeria's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in jeopardy.

Minister Enoh held a meeting with the NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and coach Finidi on Thursday regarding the Super Eagles' poor performances during the qualifiers.

After the deliberations, Senator Enoh revealed he had given the football body four primary targets to work on with detailed feedback expected within a week.

According to a statement released on the official X page of the Minister, the NFF must determine whether the current Super Eagles coach and heads of the NFF's Technical Department are competent enough to continue in their roles.

The NFF has also been tasked with locating the best players at home and abroad who are eligible to play for Nigeria and get them to represent the country.

Below is the press release in full:

“Yesterday the 13th of June, I met with
@thenff and Coach Finidi. I directed The Nigeria Football Federation to urgently put in place the necessary framework to ensure Nigeria qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in addition to addressing issues that have hindered high performances and growth of Nigerian football.

“I also directed the NFF to take proactive and progressive steps immediately especially touching on various areas including the current coach of the national team, the competence of both the NFF Technical Committee and Technical Department, discipline of players in the national team camp.

“We further admonished the NFF on the introduction of new crop of Nigerian players wherever they can be found, to ensure the best legs represent the country at every given time.

“The team of NFF officials and its technical team were given not more than one week to present its comprehensive position indicating the positive progressive steps that have been taken to get the team ready for the next round of competitive matches. We honestly do not want excuses.”

The NFF has reportedly put plans in motion for hiring the former coach of Cameroon as the Technical Adviser who will oversee the work of head coach Finidi George.