By Abba Hamisu Sani
Africa-Press – Nigeria. Finding George is the newly appointed Super Eagles Technical adviser.He was unveiled on Monday 13 of May 2024.
George, a prominent figure from Nigerian renown Golden generation,notably clinched the African Cup of Nations title in1994 and represented Nigeria in the FIFA World Cup finals in the same year,where the team emerged as the second most entertaining side in their debut appearance.
He served as an assistant to the former Super Eagles coach Peseiro for 20 months before he assumed interim leadership of the senior national team in March 2024.
The Enyimba gaffer oversaw the Super Eagles’ two friendly matches against Ghana and Mali in Morocco.
In the first match against Ghana, George’s squad secured a historic victory, defeating the Black Stars 2-1 and breaking an 18-year winless streak against the formidable opponent.
However, in the subsequent game against Mali, the team faced a setback, losing 0-2.
In this Interview with Africa Press shortly after his unveiling ceremony as the Super Eagles Head Coach which took place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja George said he considered his appointment as a Clarion call as he pledged to do all it takes to win the next tournaments in Africa and Beyond.
Africa Press -How do you feel as you are unveiled as the Head Coach of Nigeria’s national Football Team Super Eagles?
Finidi George – I feel very honored to head the Super Eagles at this moment,I have resolved to do all it takes to revive the lost glory of the Super Eagles through coordinating the players who are in different clubs across the globe.
I have worked with the former Coach Jose Peseiro as an assistant for 20 months so I observed the shortcomings and I will work on how to fix them by God’s grace.
I am also to improve on my relationship with players as it will be a little bit different from when I was the assistant Coach. Now my intention is to make it stronger so that we can succeed together as a team.
You know these are professional players, we have to give them what they are used to in Europe ,we will not slap them for not doing what they are supposed to do ,but we definitely have a way of talking to them (Players) so that they can understand.
In the relationship with players it is going to be perfect.
Africa Press – Are you comfortable with Salary and other allowances provided by the Nigerian FootBall Federation ?
Super Eagles new Coach -I know money is good but is not everything ,but I think if you add value to what you are doing more money will definitely come.
I am not quite worried about the payment even as much as I am doing the work well.What I am getting now is enough for me at the moment.
So facing the job with the needed Passion and strength is the most important. As much as I add more value to the job I am sure more money will come.
Africa Press -People are saying it’s late at this time you are appointed to confront the AFCON qualifier for the 2025 tournament.What is your take on this ? –
Finidi George -Without qualification you can not play the AFCON so we have to make sure we pass it, but the target will be winning the tournament.
Considering the timing ,if you look at it ,the main actors are the players ,they are not ideal so long as they are busy playing for their clubs ,we don’t have any problem.
Our job now is to focus on South Africa to analyze their strengths and weaknesses so that we know how to handle them in the qualifier ,so long the players are fit and they come to camp we are good to go.
Africa Press – What is your experience as the assistant coach of Super Eagles for 20 months ?
Super Eagles new Coach – It is quite amazing as I regard it as an opportunity to serve my nation.And now that I get the full opportunity to serve as the technical adviser of the National team I am ready to put all my best especially as I am given free hand by NFF to choose my assistants without interference.
I thank NFF and the Ministry of Support Development for the opportunity. What I need from all the stakeholders is their cooperation so that we can make Nigeria and Africa proud at both continental and at the World Cup tournament level.
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