Newly appointed Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, hit the ground running on Monday after his official unveiling in Abuja The CRUX NEWS reports.
With a clear focus on the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, George laid out his expectations for the team and its players.
Taking over the reins from outgoing coach Jose Peseiro, Finidi wasted no time in outlining his immediate goals: securing victories in the crucial qualifiers against South Africa and Benin scheduled for early June.
“My priority is clear,” declared Finidi to a room full of reporters. “Nigeria comes first. That’s the level of commitment I expect from every player I invite to the squad. They need to be actively playing for their clubs and demonstrate unwavering dedication to the national team.”
Recognizing the significance of a strong start, the former Ajax winger pinpointed the South Africa clash as a pivotal moment. “Our primary targets are World Cup and AFCON qualification,” he emphasized, “and a win against South Africa will set the right tone for the entire campaign.”
The road to qualification won’t be easy. Nigeria currently sits precariously in third place in their group, having secured only two points from their first two matches. South Africa sits just ahead with three points.
The three-time African champions will face South Africa at home in Uyo on June 7th before travelling to Abidjan for a clash with bottom-ranked Benin three days later. These matches will be Finidi’s first major test as head coach.
The 53-year-old coach also acknowledged the immense pressure that comes with leading a national team representing over 200 million passionate Nigerians. However, he exuded confidence in his ability to handle the scrutiny, stating with a smile, “I have a tough skin.”
While his exact salary remains undisclosed, Finidi displayed a refreshing perspective on his financial compensation. He expressed a preference for performance-based rewards over immediate financial gain. “The salary is sufficient for me,” he explained, “though it’s certainly not on par with what Peseiro was earning. Money is important, but if I deliver results and add value to the team, then the financial rewards will follow naturally. That’s when they can come back and ask, ‘Coach, how much do you want?'”
Finidi’s focus on commitment, performance, and a strategic approach to the upcoming qualifiers has instilled a sense of optimism among Nigerian football fans. Whether he can deliver the desired results and navigate the pressure of leading the Super Eagles remains to be seen, but his dedication and confidence are a positive start.
