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Former Super Eagles head coach Finidi George explained the reason for his failed stint at the helm of the national team.
Finidi George’s appointment as Super Eagles head coach was met with much fanfare, as it came off the back of an NPFL-winning campaign; however, his tenure was brief and underwhelming.
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13:29 - 27.09.2024
'Master vs Apprentice' - Ex-Super Eagles boss Finidi George to clash with 32-year-old former number 2 Yema
Former Super Eagles boss Finidi George is set for a showdown with his ex-assistant when Rivers United host Enyimba in the NPFL.
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08:32 - 30.09.2024
NPFL: Master Finidi George defeats his apprentice; Remo Stars maintain top spot
Former Super Eagles coach Finidi defeated his former assistant during his time at Enyimba.
Finidi’s brief stint
The ex-Real Betis winger led the Nigerian national team for four games; however, only two came after he got the job permanently, and it was the result in those games that led to his unfortunate sack.
In his two friendly games as an interim coach. He beat Ghana but suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Mali; however, he was adjudged to have done enough to earn the job on a permanent basis.
He was tasked with setting the Super Eagles back on track after Jose Peseiro failed to win any of the two World Cup qualifier clashes while he was at the helm. Finidi performed worse in his own two games in the qualifiers as he drew South Africa and lost to the Benin Republic, the events of which culminated in his resignation.
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What Finidi said
In an interview with Sports Boom, he provided some insight into why his brief stint at the helm failed. He explained that he could not get players into camp in time; hence, they were not fit enough for the matches.
“I wanted us to open camp a little earlier because we knew the season had ended, and the FA initially agreed but later changed their minds,” Finidi said.
“I wanted the camp to open on May 26, but they said it wasn’t possible because some players were already on holiday, which was very strange to me.”
“If you’re not fit enough at that level, no matter the tactics, you can’t perform at your best,” Finidi explained, adding that the team’s concentration was lacking, which resulted in them conceding easy goals.
“Most players didn’t show up. The intensity in friendly matches often differs from crucial qualifiers.”
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The 53-year-old has since moved on and has taken a job back in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) as head coach of Rivers United.
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