“Whatever the decision is, so be it” — Finidi George

Finidi George, the current head coach of Enyimba, a Nigeria Premier Football League side, has expressed his nonchalance regarding the possibility of securing the permanent position as the head coach of the Super Eagles.

The vacancy for the Super Eagles head coach arose earlier this month following the departure of Portuguese manager Jose Peseiro, who guided the team to a commendable second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the opening for applications, with a deadline set for March 13, stipulating that candidates must possess proven experience at the elite level of football.

Finidi George, a former Ajax player who also applied for the position, was appointed as the interim coach for the international window. Despite leading the team to one victory and suffering a defeat during his tenure, George remains unfazed about securing the role permanently.

In an interview with Modo TV, the 52-year-old tactician conveyed his contentment with serving Nigeria and emphasized that he is not desperate for a permanent role.

 

“I felt really good when I was told to take charge of the team. I have been with the team for almost two years, I know all the players, their strengths, and their weaknesses but I am only here to serve Nigeria the way I know how to do stuff

“I will just take these two games and go back to my club. Whatever the decision is taken after, so be it. I’m not under pressure to say I must get the role permanently.”

He highlighted his familiarity with the players and their capabilities but stated his intention to return to his club after overseeing the two games.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s recent 2-0 defeat to Mali at the Stade de Marrakech in Morocco, George acknowledged that mistakes cost his team dearly.

Despite the loss, he commended the team’s overall performance, emphasizing their intensity and creation of scoring opportunities. George also analyzed tactical aspects of the game, expressing satisfaction with certain aspects of the team’s play.