Finidi George has explained why he did not succeed as head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
After being appointed as interim coach, Finidi was handed the Eagles job on a permanent bases but left his role after just two competitive games.
In his first official game against South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Eagles could only manage a 1-1 draw in Uyo.
Few days later, the Eagles lost 2-1 to Benin Republic on matchday four despite taking the lead.
Following the poor results, there were reports of a new coach coming on board which saw Finidi stepping down. He has since taken over as Rivers United coach.
Reflecting on his time as Eagles coach Finidi, in an interview with SportsBoom said:”Most players didn’t show up. The intensity in friendly matches often differs from crucial qualifiers.
“I wanted us to open the camp (ahead qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic) a little bit earlier because we knew the season had come to an end, so the FA accepted, but later they
changed their minds.
“I wanted the team camp to open on the 26th of May, but they said it’s not going to be possible because some players were already on holidays, which was very strange to me. Most players were coming from their vacation places to the camp very late.
“So, if you are at that big stage, if you’re not fit enough, no matter the tactics, you can’t give your best. The concentration was not there leading to conceding easy goals.“
The AFCON 1994 winner also talked about his issue with Victor Osimhen, saying if he was in the shoes of the reigning CAF Player of the Year he would have reacted differently.
He added:”For me, you know, people are different. Character of people are
different. I wouldn’t have done that. If Keshi, late Keshi, had said something about me, I wouldn’t have talked back or Christian Chukwu, these were my coaches.
“If they had said something, or I read something in the media that the coach said, I wouldn’t reply to him. That’s my kind of person, you know.
“The way we react to things is quite different. So, I would not know. But for me personally,
I would not.”
12 Comments
Am losing my respect for this guy everyday…..Why do you continue to beat a dead horse? Oga Finidi, you need to move on from the Super Eagles job and the Oshimhen palava. The player has moved on and he’s scoring goals while you are here brooding over a dead issue. Abeg concentrate on your Rivers United duties…..
Finidi George said nothing bad!
Why is olu replying olu? Anyway to any of the olus that asked find to move ON, he has moved on already and I’m
Sure this was an interview he granted, do you want him not to answer what they asked him?
Go and rest biko, se na him sort for interview abi wetin you dey yarn. The man don move on too. Last we check he is also winning games with his new team. Na you make you go rest. He sha no ask for the job back.
I predict he will win the league with his new club. He is not a terrible coach like people are making him. With experience and learning from his mistakes, he will come out good soon. Super Eagles job was too big for him.
He’ll be back in the future…. Goodluck to him
Man management was his problem. Set 94 ego was another problem. Only late keshi and eguavon are managing this ego very well. This unnecessary ego killed oliseh eagles job. Amuneke too would have lost it. Siasia tried but also had issues at some point with osaze.
Findi to me was second to oliseh in terms of this ego problem. Finidi should have learned from oliseh.
When you come into the team and you begin to talk about changing captains. Upsetting the structure of the team even before you settle down or stamp your feet. That’s poor.
I have never supported Oshimen actions. But finidi was poor. Super eagles was too big for him. He should stay at the level of rivers united.
He actually applied for under 17 job anyway.
Please mention the Ego you emphasizing on? Which captain did he change biko, Was Ekong not injured during the qualifiers. And he cleared the air on that matter, he never mentioned of stripping anyone. Una just enjoy insubordination. When the players were strolling into camp 72 hours before a match, or bringing girlfriends to team hotel, and the coach kept quiet and didn’t say anything about it. Or that he said some of the players have the backing of hire ranking officials that made them gods over the coach. When Keshi insisted on not wanting Osaze and uche in his team, no one cried except those on the players payroll
Finidi was never the plan of the real owners of planA, B to planZ, they don’t shout it anyway because they get it anytime they like to get it. Just like this playing out.
Finidi is good but needs to prove his worth, then can be reconsidered after Eguaveon’s service for the need to keep retaining and retraining indigenous coaches cant be louder than now.
He did not have what it takes to manage the super eagle. No human management skill at all. Why Dr Drey called him ‘rooky’. And l called him FINITO.
Super Eagles is just too much of a brand and too big of a team for him to manage…..QED…. Like someone said, he wanted U17 and the stupid fools at NFF could not read btw the lines that this Finidi was not ready. They gave him what is too big for him….the results of what we have now…..
You are so right..