Former Real Betis forward Finidi George has stepped into the limelight as the newly appointed head coach of the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officially introduced him on Monday, May 13, at a ceremony held in Abuja.
The 53-year-old, who previously served as an assistant to Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro for 20 months, now takes the helm, succeeding Peseiro.
This announcement comes after his appointment on April 29.
At the unveiling event, the NFF also disclosed the lineup of Finidi George’s support staff, a team featuring former internationals Daniel Amokachi and Abideen Baruwa, among others.
Chima Onyeike, Mehmet Ozturk, and Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman complete the group, offering a diverse range of expertise to bolster the team’s performance.
Reports indicate that Finidi George will be earning a salary of $45,000, while his assistants have a pay-per-game arrangement, covering all four members, including the three foreign coaches.
Moreover, as part of his contract, he will be provided with a residence of his choice anywhere in Nigeria, along with a car and a dedicated driver, ensuring his comfort and convenience, as emphasised by NFF Chief Ibrahim Gusau.
With his sights set on the upcoming challenges, Finidi George’s first official game in charge will be against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on June 7, followed by a clash with the Benin Republic shortly after.
His primary objective is to lead the Super Eagles through the qualifiers for the next World Cup, slated to take place in Canada, Mexico, and the USA, showcasing his leadership and tactical prowess on the international stage.