Finidi George: Nigeria Super Eagles coach breaks silence on confusion over ₦66million basic salary

Super Eagles manager Finidi George is happy with what he is earning as new Nigeria coach. (Photo Credit: Oluwashina Okeleji/X)

FOOTBALL Finidi George: Nigeria Super Eagles coach breaks silence on confusion over ₦66million basic salary

Finidi George: Nigeria Super Eagles coach breaks silence on confusion over ₦66million basic salary

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 07:58 - 14.05.2024

Nigeria Super Eagles' new manager Finidi George has played down the confusion over his reported basic salary.

New Super Eagles boss Finidi George has moved to play down the confusion surrounding his salary after being appointed as the new head coach of the Nigerian national team.

The Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, unveiled the former winger on Monday, with contrasting reports emerging over his potential earnings as the new boss.

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Finidi plays down Nigeria salary confusion

The new Super Eagles boss speaking to the media moments after he was unveiled in Abuja insisted he is not overly concerned about the financial details for now, stating:

"The money definitely will come."

Super Eagles new coach Finidi George is focused on creating value first.
Super Eagles new coach Finidi George is focused on creating value first.| Imago Finidi George made some tactical alterations in Nigeria's win over Ghana (Imago)

He added: "I'm not quite worried about any [salary], even as much or more than what [Jose] Peseiro was earning,” Finidi stated in a video by Footballtemple. 

“You know, I think what I'm getting is good enough for me at the moment. The moment I add value to what I am going to do, I think the money will come."

Finidi George wants to see the Super Eagles winning games
Finidi George wants to see the Super Eagles winning games. (Photo Credit: theNFF/Facebook)

Reports had suggested Finidi could earn between N15 million to around  $45,000 (over N66 million) as the Super Eagles' new boss as reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria.

But the 53-year-old seems relaxed about his pay packet, believing improved results on the pitch will inevitably lead to improved terms.

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"I think the Minister [for Sports] and NFF will definitely call me and say 'coach, how much do you want?'" Finidi added. 

"So, for me, it's all about work, work, and add value. So long as the team is going to win, money is going to come."

Finidi George remains bullish in his belief that Enyimba are still title contenders in the NPFL.
Finidi George Super Eagles boss has left his position as Enyimba coach (Photo Credit: Enyimba)

Finidi has signed an initial 12-month contract after replacing Jose Peseiro, who departed following Nigeria's agonising loss to Ivory Coast in the 2023 AFCON final.

His first target will be reviving Nigeria’s shaky 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign before turning his attention to securing qualification for next year's AFCON.

A legend of the national team, the former Real Betis winger was part of Nigeria's iconic 1994 AFCON-winning side during his 62-cap international career.

With that pedigree, Finidi appears confident that matching his illustrious playing career with success as a coach will ultimately be rewarded further down the line by the NFF and Ministry of Sports.

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