Sports
NFF Silent On Finidi George’s Resignation Amid Debate Over Foreign
By Benjamin Abioye
It has been a week since Finidi George resigned as the head coach of the Super Eagles. Since his resignation, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has not publicly confirmed receipt of his resignation letter.
The only official comment from the NFF came from its president, Ibrahim Gusau, who claimed he was unaware that Finidi had tendered his resignation, stating, “Not yet aware.” Despite this, it is clear that Finidi has vacated the position.
The former Nigeria international stepped down following the NFF’s announcement that it would appoint an “expatriate technical adviser” after the team’s poor performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifying series.
The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, have secured only three points out of a possible twelve, jeopardizing their qualification as they sit fifth in the six-team Group C.
Although the NFF has expressed its intention to hire a foreign coach, there is ongoing debate in football circles about whether another local coach should be given a chance.
Nwosu Michael Izuchukwu, a podcaster and digital marketer, believes that the opportunity for a local coach has passed.
“Honestly, I think we need to let go of the nostalgia from the late Stephen Keshi’s time and just go foreign,” Izuchukwu stated.
“Keshi already had experience coaching Togo, before he got the Super Eagles job.
“I don’t think we have any local coach who can boast of that sort of experience.”
Advocates for local coaches have highlighted the disappointing performances of recent foreign managers.
However, Izuchukwu has noted that Gernot Rohr, who ironically led Benin Republic to a victory over the Super Eagles this month, was one of the few foreign tacticians who performed admirably.
“Rohr had a good stint as the manager of the Super Eagles,” he says.
“And I can tell you with certainty that if he was still our coach, we would be in pole position to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
“He didn’t play the most beautiful football, but then again, when you look at African football, it’s as raw. But still very exciting because the passion is through the roof.”
Following the announcement of Finidi’s resignation, numerous coaches, both local and international, have been linked to the position.
Izuchukwu’s preferred choice is surprisingly Emmanuel Amunike.
He said: “At this point, their safest option would be Amunike.
“Majority of the general public seem to think he’s the best man for the job if you’re looking locally.
“Now that Finidi has fallen short of expectation and resigned, we might as well give it to Amunike since we don’t have the means to look outside our borders.”
What about Samson Siasia, whose FIFA’s ban ends in August?
“I don’t want that man anywhere near the national team,” Izuchukwu states as a matter of fact.
“Isn’t he the reason we didn’t qualify for the last World Cup?”
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