Former Ajax Amsterdam and Super Eagles winger Finidi George, has cleared the air on his role within the Nigeria national football team.
Finidi, who played for the Super Eagles of Nigeria between 1991 and 2002, was appointed as one of the coaches of the national team in 2021 by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). However, the former winger still holds a role with Enyimba FC of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
There have been rumours of his exit from the Super Eagles coaching role ahead of the AFCON 2023 qualifiers fixtures but he insists he is still on the team's coaching staff.
“I am Peseiro's first assistant,” Claims George
Finidi George, along with Salisu Yusuf and a few others were appointed to the national team's coaching team in 2021 as the deal to make José Peseiro the new manager was being finalised. He was involved with the NPFL before the appointment.
He continues to be involved with them, this time as the manager of Enyimba FC of Aba, Abia State while holding his role as the first assistant to Peseiro. Ahead of the upcoming qualifiers against Sierra Leone, the Nigeria football news scene has been filled with rumours of his axing from the role.
With international duty beckoning, however, George has taken to the media to clear the air and categorically debunk the rumours. He was speaking on Sports Salsa, a sport show on local radio Kennis 104.1FM when he made those comments to debunk the claims in the media.
I Remain Super Eagles' Assistant Coach — Finidi George – https://t.co/uk6631DhCT pic.twitter.com/ej3bTzHd9a
— Sports Radio Brila FM (@Brilafm889) June 8, 2023
“I’m still the first assistant to Jose Peseiro and will come next week,” he said. “I think the camp opens for the players to come. And I think I’ll be there if things don’t get twisted. But first thing first, let me finish this duty with Enyimba, and if things go well, I will be in camp.”
Enyimba FC have an NPFL match with Sunshine Stars today at 7 PM and one on Sunday 11 June 2023 against Rivers United at 6 PM. As the team's head coach and manager, he will have to be there before joining up with Peseiro and the Super Eagles in Abuja for their camp ahead of the Sierra Leone fixture.
Enyimba Top of Super Six; Must Win to Wrap up NPFL Title
Finidi George will be more concerned about changing the status of Enyimba FC in the NPFL Super 6, the Championship round of the regular NPFL season.
After three matchdays, his team sits at the top of the table and are close to winning the title. However, three draws in the last round of matches will keep him on his toes as his side is top of the table thanks to the number of goals they have scored in the mini tournament.
Still at the top after MD 3 🔝#NPFL23Super6 pic.twitter.com/qu1emnlblY
— Enyimba FC (@EnyimbaFC) June 7, 2023
George will count on history to come through for him when his side travels to Akure to face Sunshine Stars as he seeks three points to solidify his hold at the top of the table. The People's Elephant have four wins and one draw in their last five versus their upcoming opponents.
Their opponents on Sunday, Rivers United, is a different ball game. They have four losses and one draw against Rivers and this is the reason why the Sunshine Stars game will be very vital for George.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
