Nigerian legend wishes 'brother' Finidi George success as Super Eagles coach

Former Nigerian winger Finidi George is now Super Eagles new coach. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Nigerian legend wishes 'brother' Finidi George success as Super Eagles coach

Izuchukwu Akawor 00:34 - 20.03.2024

Nigerian legend Mutiu Adepoju has backed his "Brother" Finidi George for the interim Super Eagles role.

Nigerian football legend Mutiu Adepoju has given his full backing to former international teammate Finidi George after his surprise appointment as interim head coach of the Super Eagles.

George was handed the temporary reins of the national team following the departure of Jose Peseiro whose contract expired after Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations journey in Cote d’Ivoire.

Adepoju backs Finidi

Super Eagles will take on rivals Ghana and Mali in a double-header international friendly matches slated for Morocco as Nigeria regroups after AFCON 2023, with Finidi in charge on an interim basis.

Adepoju, 53, who was part of the same brilliant Super Eagles squad as Finidi in the 1990s, was one of the first to congratulate his "brother" on landing the big job.

Finidi George has impressed at Enyimba and was assistant to Jose Peseiro in the Super Eagles.
Finidi George has impressed at Enyimba and was assistant to Jose Peseiro in the Super Eagles.

"Just learning that my brother and colleague Finidi George has been appointed Interim Head Coach of Nigeria Super Eagles," the 1994 AFCON winner wrote on Facebook.

"Big news and massive congratulations from me. Here's wishing you the best of success."

Nigerian legend and LaLiga ambassador, Mutiu Adepoju.
Nigerian legend and LaLiga ambassador, Mutiu Adepoju. (Photo Credit: Agentduwem)

Finidi's Coaching Pedigree

Finidi certainly has an impressive coaching CV to fall back on as he takes temporary charge of the three-time African champions.

The former Ajax and Real Betis winger led Enyimba to a record-extending ninth Nigerian league title just last season.

Enyimba's coach Finidi George
Enyimba's coach Finidi George has led Enyimba to the NPFL title in Nigeria.

He had also been part of Peseiro's coaching staff, serving as an assistant before the Portuguese's exit opened up the interim vacancy.

With crucial 2025 AFCON and 2026 World Cup qualifiers coming up later in the year, the Nigerian Football Federation will be hoping Finidi can provide a much-needed steadying hand.

Finidi George of Nigeria during the TotalEnergies Caf Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon 2023) match between Cote D Ivoire and Nigeria.
Finidi George of Nigeria during the TotalEnergies Caf Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon 2023) match between Cote D Ivoire and Nigeria. (Photo Credit: Imago)

His legendary former teammate Adepoju seems confident the new man can thrive in the role and help to usher the Super Eagles into a new era.

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