Finidi George: 5 key targets for new Super Eagles coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on Monday, appointed Finidi George as the new coach of the Super Eagles.

George, a prominent figure from Nigeria’s renowned ‘Golden Generation,’ notably clinched the Africa Cup of Nations title in 1994 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.

With 62 caps for Nigeria, George’s illustrious career spans multiple tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and AFCON, where he amassed gold, silver, and bronze medals across various editions from 1992 to 2002.

The PAPERS has highlighted five targets for the new Super Eagles coach

Projection of NPFL players
The recommendation is for Coach Finidi to prioritize the inclusion of Nigeria’s premier league players in the national team. At least 50% of the national team should be made up of local players. This is because during his playing days, Coach Finidi himself was a product of the Nigeria league before moving to Europe, where he achieved great success with Ajax. It is believed that the national team needs the same kind of energy and enthusiasm those players like coach Finidi brought to the game. It is also suggested that enough attention has been given to those players who have been rejected by their foreign countries and are now hanging around in Europe, looking for a place to play. These players should not be given more attention than the local players.

Sharp attacking football
Finidi was a true product of attacking football, and he was admired for his impressive runs and crosses. Sadly, this particular style seems to be missing in the national team, which instead seems to be drawing inspiration from the European club style of play.
In the context of the Super Eagles, it would be beneficial for the wingers to be constantly active, switching from left to right and ensuring that the opponents are constantly on their toes and challenged. This would certainly make for a more thrilling and dynamic game, and would greatly benefit the Super Eagles.

Fit players must be invited
In contemporary times, the selection of players for national teams has become a significant concern in the Nigerian football community. The era when players were chosen based on connections or reputation has long since passed. Unfortunately, the current situation, where players are selected without considering their form, skill, and fitness levels, is not any better. This has contributed to the decline of Nigerian football, and the selection process must be based on merit and the ability of players to perform at the highest level.

A sagacious coach like Finidi, who has garnered immense experience in Europe, can play a crucial role in addressing this issue. Finidi has adopted a proactive approach to aid local clubs in Nigeria by coaching Enyimba FC. Unlike some other coaches who believe that coaching the national team is the ultimate goal, Finidi understands the significance of developing local talent and improving the quality of football in Nigeria.

The lack of fitness in players is most evident in the back four, specifically the defenders. It is the coach’s responsibility to ensure that the players are in excellent condition and ready to take on any challenge that comes their way. With the right training, motivation, and guidance, the Nigerian national team can regain its former glory and achieve great success on the international stage.

Must reject pressures from NFF over imposition of players
In the past, it has been confirmed that some Nigeria football administrators are football agents or friends of football agent in europe. Due to this reason, there is always pressure on the national team coach regarding who should be invited to play in a particular game. Sometimes, the coach is under intense pressure to satisfy the powerful people in the glass house.

Even the coach’s list can be edited by top guns, where certain players have to be invited. Therefore, Finidi needs to be cautious of such a threat in the glass house and ensure that the selection process is fair and unbiased.

Avoid match fixing bargain, bribery, corruption
Finidi George must be wary of the match-fixing approach as we have seen some ex-players and coaches being involved and sanctioned for match-fixing scandals. It has cut short some coaches’ careers. Such an act must not tempt Finidi.