The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has terminated Finidi George’s tenure as head coach of the Super Eagles and announced plans to hire a foreign technical adviser. This decision comes in response to the team’s disappointing performance in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
In a statement issued after an executive committee meeting on Wednesday, June 12, the NFF expressed regret over the Super Eagles’ “dismal output and very poor returns” of just three points from a possible 12 in the first four qualifiers. The federation apologized to Nigerian fans for the team’s underwhelming results and outlined its immediate plans for rectification.
“The federation has resolved to employ an expatriate Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles in the coming weeks,” the statement read. This move aims to prepare the team for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers starting in September.
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Finidi George, an AFCON 1994 winner, was appointed as head coach last month with high hopes of revitalizing the three-time African champions. However, his short tenure has been marked by poor results and controversies over squad selection. Recent losses to Benin and a draw with South Africa have left Nigeria struggling in their World Cup qualifying group, currently sitting in fifth place.
While the NFF’s statement did not explicitly outline Finidi’s future within the organization, the decision to bring in a foreign technical adviser suggests a likely demotion for the former coach. The federation is turning to international expertise in hopes of rejuvenating the Super Eagles’ fortunes.
In addition to the coaching change, the NFF announced plans to overhaul the technical department structure and implement a “robust scouting programme” to identify players eligible for Nigerian citizenship worldwide. These changes aim to strengthen the team and improve performance in both World Cup qualifiers and the upcoming AFCON.
Whether these sweeping changes will lead to the desired revival remains to be seen. However, the NFF’s swift action underscores its commitment to reversing the current downward trend and restoring the Super Eagles to their former glory.
