NFF Sets Two Immediate Targets For New Super Eagles Coach, Finidi George

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has entrusted Finidi George with the critical mission of ensuring that the Super Eagles secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Presently positioned third in their group following two draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, the two-time African champions face a pivotal juncture in their World Cup qualification campaign.

Scheduled to host the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Friday, June 7, followed by a clash against the Squirrels of Benin shortly after, the Super Eagles must clinch victories to bolster their standing in the qualifiers.

Addressing the high stakes of the upcoming matches, Victor Ikpeba, a member of the NFF technical committee, emphasised the imperative of triumph. “In the month of June, Nigeria will play the games of their lives against South Africa and Benin,” Ikpeba remarked to SuperSport. “We are on the back foot after we drew our first two World Cup qualifiers and so we have to win the next games.”

Ikpeba expressed confidence in the talent pool at Finidi’s disposal, asserting that with the right guidance, qualification is within reach. “We have the players and if Finidi can get the best out of them, we will qualify for the World Cup.”

Beyond the immediate task of securing victories, Ikpeba outlined broader expectations for the newly appointed head coach. With Finidi George’s intimate knowledge of domestic football as the coach of NPFL champions Enyimba, Ikpeba emphasised the importance of providing local players with significant opportunities within the Super Eagles squad.

“He lives here, he works here,” Ikpeba affirmed. “He will give the local players a chance in his team. He will have to look inwards, that’s how we got the player Finidi George.”