Nigeria’s quest for the 2026 World Cup has been thrown into further turmoil following the resignation of coach Finidi George, just two months into his tenure.
George, a former Nigerian international and Ajax legend, took over the national team in April 2024 after the expiration of Jose Peseiro’s contract. However, his short stint was marred by disappointing results and culminated in his departure.
Reasons for Resignation: Clash with NFF’s Technical Adviser Plans
While the official statement from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) remained tight-lipped, reports suggest George’s resignation stems from the NFF’s decision to appoint a foreign technical advisor. This move is seen as a desperate attempt to salvage Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign, which has been severely compromised.
Disappointing Results Spark NFF Action
The NFF expressed public “dismal outpot” for the Super Eagles’ recent performance, citing four losses in ten World Cup qualifiers. This poor showing, coupled with missing out on the 2022 World Cup, has prompted a flurry of actions from the NFF, including:
Hiring a Foreign Technical Advisor: The NFF plans to appoint an expatriate to oversee the Super Eagles, raising questions about the capabilities of domestic coaches.
Revamping the Technical Department: The NFF seeks to strengthen its technical department with “more qualitative hands,” suggesting a recognition of shortcomings within the system.
Enhanced Scouting Program: A more robust scouting program will be implemented to identify talented Nigerian players worldwide, potentially neglecting the development of local talent.
Stakeholder Forum: The NFF plans to meet with stakeholders to discuss amendments to the governing statutes, aiming to improve football governance in the country.
Nigeria’s World Cup Qualification in Jeopardy
The Super Eagles currently sit in a precarious position in their World Cup qualifying group. After a draw against South Africa and a crucial loss to Benin Republic, they languish in fifth place. They face an uphill battle to reach the global showpiece in 2026, needing a significant turnaround starting with their March 2025 clash against leaders Rwanda.
Finidi George’s resignation highlights the deep-seated problems within Nigerian football. The constant search for quick fixes through external appointments overshadows long-term development plans. Unless the NFF addresses these issues, the future of Nigerian football, both domestically and internationally, remains uncertain.
