Newscenter Media News Former Super Eagles coach, Finidi George has expressed disappointment over the way things played out within the national football team during his time.
Finidi, who resigned a little over a month after his appointment, explained why he did not succeed as head coach as he couldn’t win any competitive game with the team.
In his first official game against South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Eagles could only manage a 1-1 draw in Uyo; before going on to lose 2-1 to Benin Republic.
Finidi had to step down from his position after misunderstandings with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and now serves as Rivers United coach.
Reflecting on his time as Eagles coach Finidi, in an interview with SportsBoom said:”Most players didn’t show up. The intensity in friendly matches often differs from crucial qualifiers.
Read Also: Finidi says Osimhen yet to apologise for outburst
“I wanted us to open the camp (ahead qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic) a little bit earlier because we knew the season had come to an end, so the FA accepted, but later they changed their minds.
“I wanted the team camp to open on the 26th of May, but they said it’s not going to be possible because some players were already on holidays, which was very strange to me. Most players were coming from their vacation places to the camp very late.
“So, if you are at that big stage, if you’re not fit enough, no matter the tactics, you can’t give your best. The concentration was not there leading to conceding easy goals.“
Recall that around the time Finidi resigned, Eagles forward Victor Osimhen hosted an Instagram Live and said lost of unkind words against the coach.
On that, Finidi said:”For me, you know, people are different. Character of people are different.
“I wouldn’t have done that. If Keshi, late Keshi, had said something about me, I wouldn’t have talked back or Christian Chukwu, these were my coaches.
“If they had said something, or I read something in the media that the coach said, I wouldn’t reply to him. That’s my kind of person, you know.
“The way we react to things is quite different. So, I would not know. But for me personally, I would not.”
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