Get to Know Rivers-Born Super Eagles’ Interim Coach, Finidi George

Born April 15, 1971, in Port Harcourt, Finidi George doubles as the Interim coach of the Nigerian Men’s National team and the head coach of Nigeria Professional Football League club Enyimba F.C.

The Rivers-born coach will spearhead the camp of the Super Eagles as they take on Ghana and Mali in March friendlies.

Considered to be one of Nigeria’s greatest wingers, Finidi was a physically strong and tall player who was known for his deceptively rapid pace, accurate crosses and efficient dribbles. He was also known for his accurate free kicks. He also possessed a unique footballing brain and solid dribbling skills.

The 52-year-old had a stint with Calabar Rovers and Sharks FC on the domestic front before heading to Europe where he played for Ajax Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Real Betis (Spain). He made a name for himself at Ajax in the Netherlands – being a leading figure in a team which won eight major titles, including the 1995 Champions League.

George made his scoring debut for Nigeria in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Burkina Faso at the National Stadium, Lagos on July 27, 1991.

In September 2021, Enyimba F.C. named Finidi as their new head coach. He won his first title as a coach on June 11, 2023, winning the Nigeria Premier League at Onikan Stadium in Lagos.

He understudied Portuguese José Peseiro, who led the Super Eagles to finish as runners-up at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire earlier in the year for 21 months as First Assistant coach.