Unveiled ‘tough skin’ Finidi vows to rejig Super Eagles
Following his unveiling as the Super Eagles Head Coach in Abuja yesterday, George Finidi, has enthused about his desire to revive the fortune of the national team, adding the team will return to winning ways right from next month’s FIFA World Cup 26 qualifiers against South Africa at home in Uyo and away to Benin Republic in their adopted home ground in Abidjan.
The 52-year-old George, who evinced quiet confidence all through his unveiling , stated that he will invite for international assignments, only players who feature regularly at their clubs either in Nigeria or in the diaspora, and promised that the Super Eagles will remain even more competitive in the years ahead.
“My first target is to make sure that we are in line to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by winning the upcoming two matches against South Africa and Benin Republic,” the former Ajax Amsterdam winger said.“The 2025 AFCON qualifiers will soon start and we must also be prepared for those as well. I know what the NFF wants as it is boldly written in the contract, and I will work very hard to add value to the team and put myself in the position to earn even more than I will be earning from the take-off.”
On relationship with the players, George said: “I have always had a cordial relationship with all the players as an assistant coach. I am still the same person even as Head Coach now, only that the title has changed. There will be no controversy regarding relationships with the players. These are professional players and we have to give them what they’re used to in Europe; you don’t need to slap anyone to get him to do the right thing.
“I will try my best to ensure the team starts functioning properly and we start winning games again. There is no pressure on me; I have tough skin. I just want to call for your support. I know this is not an easy job, but with the support of everyone, we can achieve our objectives,” he noted.
