Finidi George named interim coach of Super Eagles ahead of Ghana, Mali friendlies

Former Nigeria forward, Finidi George, has been appointed as interim coach of the Super Eagles ahead of their much-anticipated clash against West African rivals, the Black Stars of Ghana, in an international friendly on Friday in Marrakech, Morocco.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) made the decision as a group of 22 players gear up to face Ghana and Mali in this month’s international window.

George, the 52-year-old former Ajax and Real Betis winger, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Notably, he made a memorable scoring debut for Nigeria in an Africa Cup of Nations’ qualifying match against Burkina Faso in 1991. Throughout his career, George showcased his talent both domestically and abroad, featuring for clubs like Calabar Rovers, Sharks FC, Ajax, and Real Betis.

In a historic moment, George scored the goal that secured Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA World Cup finals appearance, propelling the team to victory against hosts Algeria in a crucial qualifier in Algiers on 8th October 1993. He also played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s first World Cup goal, assisting Rashidi Yekini’s strike against Bulgaria in Dallas, USA, on 19th June 1994.

Taking charge from the touchline, George steps into the role after spending 21 months understudying Portuguese coach José Santos Peseiro. Notably, Peseiro led the Eagles to a runner-up position at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire earlier in the year.

As preparations intensify, 12 of the 22 invited players have arrived in Morocco’s fourth-largest city, including notable names like Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, and Moses Simon. However, injuries have sidelined players like Victor Osimhen and Tyronne Ebuehi, adding to the challenge for George’s makeshift squad.

The team’s focus extends beyond the Ghana fixture, with a subsequent match against the Les Aigles of Mali scheduled at the same Grand Stade de Marrakech on Tuesday, 26th March.