The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially announced that Finidi George, assistant coach to Jose Peseiro, will assume the role of interim head coach for the Super Eagles in their upcoming international friendlies against Ghana and Mali.
The matches are scheduled for March 22 and 26 in Morocco.
Following the conclusion of Peseiro’s contract with the NFF on February 29, the Super Eagles have been without a substantive head coach.
In light of this, the 52-year-old former Ajax Amsterdam and Real Betis winger has been entrusted by the NFF to guide the team through this transitional period.
“Coach George Finidi has held a meeting with Super Eagles team officials as he leads the Super Eagles in international friendlies against Ghana and Mali #SoarSuperEagles,” stated a verified Super Eagles social media account.
Finidi, who made his debut for Nigeria in 1991, boasts an illustrious playing career, having featured for clubs such as Calabar Rovers and Sharks FC domestically before making his mark in Europe.
As of Tuesday lunchtime, 12 of the 22 invited players had arrived in Morocco for the friendlies. However, Gabriel Osho, Tyronne Ebuehi, Victor Osimhen, and Taiwo Awoniyi have been sidelined due to injuries.
The players currently stationed at the team’s base in Adam Park Hotel, Marrakech, include Stanley Nwabali, Olorunleke Ojo, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Jamilu Collins, Bruno Onyemaechi, Benjamin Tanimo, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf, Moses Simon, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Sadiq Umar, and Ademola Lookman.
Further reinforcements, including Francis Uzoho, Chidozie Awaziem, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, and Kelechi Iheanacho, were expected to join the team in Marrakech by Tuesday. Bright Osayi-Samuel, a defender based in Turkey, is anticipated to arrive on Wednesday.
