The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed former player Finidi George as the interim boss ahead of the upcoming international friendlies against the Black Stars of Ghana and Eagles of Mali in March.
Following the departure of Jose Peseiro, who led the team to a second-place finish in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the NFF sought a replacement.
Despite initial speculation about Augustine Eguavoen’s return, it has been confirmed that George will lead the team until a permanent coach is appointed.
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 pic.twitter.com/qnYZR3iMtQ
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 19, 2024
A former Nigeria international with an impressive career, George earned 62 caps for the three-time AFCON winners and scored six goals. With experience from clubs like Ajax and Real Betis, the 52-year-old is poised to lead the Super Eagles in their upcoming matches.
The first test for George’s interim reign will be against arch-rivals Ghana on Friday, March 22, 2024, followed by a match against the Eagles of Mali on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.
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Interestingly, Ghana will also have a familiar face returning to the helm, with Otto Addo set to lead the Black Stars. Addo previously served as interim boss in 2022 and oversaw his first match against Nigeria in the 2022 World Cup qualification playoff.
The Black Stars are currently preparing for the games in Morocco with 16 players already present as of Wednesday morning including new invitees like Ibrahim Osman, and Frederick Asare.