New Super Eagles coach Finidi George has selected Daniel Amokachi,Benjamin James, Olatunji Baruwa, Chima Onyeike and Mehmet Ozturk as his backroom staff that will work with him.
The former Ajax Amsterdam forward replaced Jose Peseiro, who led the Super Eagles to a second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, was unveiled to the general public on Monday in Abuja.
Finidi was part of the backroom staff that worked with former Nigeria coach Peseiro at the AFCON tournament.
The Enyimba coach has stated he would hit the ground running and ensure the Super Eagles nick a place at the 2026 World Cup tournament.
Finidi said: “My first target is to make sure that we are in line to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by winning the upcoming two matches against South Africa and Benin Republic. The 2025 AFCON qualifiers will soon start and we must also be prepared for those as well.
“I know what the NFF wants as it is boldly written in the contract, and I will work very hard to add value to the team and put myself in the position to earn even more than I will be earning from the take-off.”
Finidi on his relationship with Super Eagles stars
Finidi revealed that he has all it takes to lead the team to achieve success at the mundia and has good one-on-one relationship with each of the players while encouraging the fans to support him in his quest to make the team the envy of other nations.
He continued: “I have always had a cordial relationship with all the players as an assistant coach. I am still the same person even as Head Coach now, only that the title has changed. There will be no controversy regarding relationships with the players.
“These are professional players and we have to give them what they’re used to in Europe; you don’t need to slap anyone to get him to do the right thing.
“I will try my best to ensure the team starts functioning properly and we start winning games again. There is no pressure on me; I have tough skin. I just want to call for your support. I know this is not an easy job, but with the support of everyone, we can achieve our objectives.”
Nigeria last won AFCON in 2013 and failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
