NEW Super Eagles of Nigeria head coach Finidi George has insisted that he is not weighed down by expectations as he promised that the team will not disappoint in his first games in charge against South Africa and Republic of Benin.
The former Super Eagles winger was officially presented in Abuja today as the substantive successor to Jose Peseiro ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin in June.
“My first target is to make sure that we are in line to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by winning the upcoming two matches against South Africa and Benin Republic,” Finidi told reporters.
“The 2025 AFCON qualifiers will soon start and we must also be prepared for those as well. I know what the NFF wants as it is boldly written in the contract, and I will work very hard to add value to the team and put myself in the position to earn even more than I will be earning from the take-off.”
The 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner with the Super Eagles said he would continue to have an excellent relationship with the players, just like he did as one of Peseiro’s assistants.
“I have always had a cordial relationship with all the players as an assistant coach,” the 53-year-old noted.
“I am still the same person even as head coach now, only that the title has changed. There will be no controversy regarding relationships with the players. These are professional players and we have to give them what they’re used to in Europe; you don’t need to slap anyone to get him to do the right thing.
“I will try my best to ensure the team starts functioning properly and we start winning games again.
“There is no pressure on me; I have tough skin. I just want to call for your support. I know this is not an easy job, but with the support of everyone, we can achieve our objectives.”
The Nigeria Football Federation announced today that Finidi’s former Super Eagles teammate Daniel Amokachi will be one of his assistants.
The other coaches in Finidi’s technical crew are Benjamin James, Olatunji Baruwa (goalkeeper trainer), Chima Onyeike (fitness trainer) and Mehmet Ozturk (analyst).
