NFF President Ibrahim Gusau breaks silence on Finidi's Super Eagles job

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau has insisted the decision to appoint Finidi George as the new permanent Super Eagles manager was not an easy one but says it's time to "trust our own."

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Finidi, who has been in interim charge, has now officially replaced former boss Jose Peseiro following the expiration of the Portuguese coach's contract after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking after confirming the Nigerian legend's appointment, Gusau stated: "It wasn't an easy decision. We've to begin to trust our own,” according to a post by former Super Eagles media officer Toyin Ibitoye. 

The NFF chief's comments highlight a desire to back a domestic coaching candidate after Peseiro's spell in charge. 

Gusau clearly feels Enyimba manager Finidi deserves an opportunity to lead the national team despite his relative lack of experience at the highest level.

The 53-year-old does bring an impressive playing pedigree, having earned 62 caps for the Super Eagles and played a key role in their 1994 AFCON triumph and Olympic gold medal at Atlanta '96.

More recently, he has impressed in his coaching roles, leading Enyimba to the Nigerian Premier Football League title in 2022/23 and keeping them in the hunt to retain the crown this season.

George is expected to relinquish his duties at Enyimba now that the NFF has handed him the reins of the national team on a permanent basis.

George's predecessor, Peseiro, departed after a 22-month tenure that saw Nigeria reach the 2023 AFCON final, only to lose to host nation Cote d’Ivoire.

While that run represented some progress, the Portuguese coach failed to truly get the Super Eagles firing on all cylinders with his pragmatic tactics and struggles to get the best from the nation's abundant attacking talent.

In Finidi, however, Gusau and the NFF are backing a coach steeped in Nigerian football's philosophy and identity to do a better job of channelling the Super Eagles' flair and firepower.

With a huge array of talent at his disposal, it's now up to the Ajax and Real Betis legend to repay Gusau's trust and faith in Nigerian coaching expertise by achieving success on the international stage.