Finidi George, embattled coach of the Nigerian Super Eagles, has expressed his frustration with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), claiming that he has not received adequate support from the organization.
In a further revelation, Finidi George reportedly claimed that it was impossible to discipline certain players within the team due to their alleged connections with powerful individuals, or “big men” within Nigerian football.
The comments made by Finidi George regarding the NFF’s preferential treatment of certain players came to light during a meeting in Abuja between the coach, NFF officials, and Sports Minister John Enoh. This gathering was held to review the Super Eagles’ disappointing 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, in which they were held to a draw by South Africa and suffered a humiliating loss to Benin, Saharareporters revealed.
During the meeting, Finidi George cited Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles’ star striker, as a prime example to support his argument that the country’s top players lack full commitment to the national team. George seems to suggest that despite Osimhen’s individual success and prominence in world football, he does not prioritize representing Nigeria as a member of the Super Eagles.
Victor Osimhen’s absence from the two crucial World Cup qualifiers further fueled Finidi George’s accusations of player disengagement, as Osimhen was reportedly sidelined for four weeks due to an injury.
Finidi said the Napoli striker could still have managed to play these matches, The Nation reports.
“The coach went on to say that it appears that Osimhen chooses the games he plays for Nigeria and he (Finidi) cannot beg him to play for his country.”
Finidi George’s frustrations with the Super Eagles continued to escalate as he described a complete breakdown of discipline among the players. He lamented the lackadaisical attitude of the team during the crucial World Cup qualifiers, with many players arriving at the training camp with a nonchalant demeanor.
Moreover, George alleged that some NFF Board members offered preferential treatment to certain players, leading to a lack of accountability and a culture of impunity.
Public pressure on Finidi George’s position as coach of the Super Eagles intensified following the team’s disappointing results under his stewardship. With many Nigerians voicing their dissatisfaction on social media and in the media, reports indicated that there were widespread calls for Finidi’s removal from his position.
In response, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) reportedly initiated a search for a foreign technical adviser to oversee the remaining World Cup qualifying matches for the Super Eagles. The decision to hire a foreign expert was seen as an effort to inject new expertise and energy into the team, as well as address the perceived failures of the current coaching staff under Finidi George.
