Amaju Pinnick, the previous head of the Nigeria Football Federation and a member of the FIFA Council, has given his endorsement to former national team player, FInidi George, to take on the role of the next coach of the Super Eagles.
Finidi is one of the leading contenders for the open position left by Portuguese Coach Jose Peseiro, whose contract ended after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
It is anticipated that the Nigeria Football Federation will select a new coach for the team soon, and the former NFF leader believes Finidi is well-suited for the role.
Pinnick stated on Arise TV, “He was once considered one of the top wingers in the world. He interned under the renowned coach Louis Van Gaal and performed exceptionally well at Real Betis. At Ajax, known for emphasizing developmental football, he possesses all the qualities. This is my strong personal opinion.”
Finidi, who previously served as an assistant to Peseiro, was appointed by the NFF on an interim basis to manage the team during recent international friendly matches against Ghana and Mali in the last FIFA break.
The 52-year-old achieved victory against Ghana and suffered a defeat to Mali, which was seen as an audition for him.
“He participated in two friendlies; he lost to Mali, which was seen in a negative light, and won against Ghana, viewed positively. He may not be prominent, but he possesses strong character. I’m confident that Finidi will surprise us. I’ve witnessed it firsthand; as president, I promoted him to assistant coach. He exhibits qualities like leadership, dexterity, and most importantly, humility.
“Therefore, considering his experience playing under some of the best coaches in the world and coaching at that level, as well as his coaching role at Nigeria’s most successful club, I believe we should develop talent around him,” Pinnick added.
In addition to Finidi, numerous candidates have been associated with the Super Eagles position, and it remains to be seen how soon the NFF will announce its decision in preparation for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in June.
Several other individuals who have shown interest in the position include US men’s U-19 coach Michael Nsien, 1994 AFCON winner and former Golden Eaglets and Tanzania coach Emmanuel Amuneke, Ndubuisi Egbo, Henry Makinwa, Sylvanus Okpala, Daniel Amokachi, and several other foreigners.
