Super Eagles coach: Which Finidi George replacement has rejected Nigeria for the Caribbeans?

Finidi George returned to the NPFL after short Super Eagles spell.

Super Eagles coach: Which Finidi George replacement has rejected Nigeria for the Caribbeans?

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 10:03 - 01.08.2024

Nigeria's search for a coach to replace Finidi George saw a former Manchester United man linked with the vacant position.

Nigeria's search for a coach to replace Finidi George saw a former Manchester United man linked with the vacant position.

Former England and Man United manager Steve McClaren has been announced and unveiled as the new coach for the Caribbean nation Jamaica. 

Super Eagles-linked coach gets new job

McClaren emerged as a shock candidate to replace Nigerian legend Finidi George following his departure from the Super Eagles.

As reported by Pulse Sports, the former Derby County man was expected to fill the vacuum left by the former Enyimba boss who struggled to make an impression during his short stint as Nigeria’s coach.

Finidi George resigned after as Super Eagles boss in June.
Finidi George resigned after as Super Eagles boss in June.

McClaren was considered as a candidate for the vacant position alongside the likes of Herve Renard, Tom Saintfiet and Eric Chelle. 

But the 63-year-old has now been unveiled as the new coach of the Reggae Boyz of Jamaica, effectively ending whatever chances he had of managing the giant of Africa Nigeria. 

Former England manager Steve McClaren | Imago

McClaren, who vacated his role at Man United following the changes ongoing at Old Trafford with club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy named as the new assistant manager, takes over the Caribbean nation with an impressive resume having also managed the Three Lions in the past. 

Meanwhile, while Jamaica has won the race for the English coach, there are reports that the NFF has found a new coach for the Super Eagles. 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reportedly appointed Malian coach Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles weeks after Finidi George left his position according to various reports.

Chelle, who is with the Malian national team, has been handed the reins of the Nigerian national side after the shock resignation of legendary player Finidi just two matches into his tenure.

New Super Eagles head coach Finidi George was unveiled on May 13. || X

Should the report be official, the 46-year-old Malian will be tasked with steering the Super Eagles through their upcoming international fixtures in September, as they look to bounce back from a disastrous start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign under former boss George.

The Super Eagles dropped further points in the race to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a surprise defeat to the Benin Republic and a draw at home to South Africa.

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