10 facts about new Super Eagles coach, Finidi George
The Nigeria Football Federation on Monday announced the appointment of former Super Eagles winger Finidi George as the new head coach of the nation’s senior men’s national team.
The announcement came in a statement, with the NFF Board approving the recommendation of its Technical and Development Committee to hand over the reins to the 52-year-old former Ajax Amsterdam and Real Betis forward.
The new Super Eagles boss’s immediate task will be to guide the team to victory in two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and the Benin Republic in Uyo and Abidjan, respectively, within the next five weeks.
However, PUNCH Online takes a look at 10 things to know about Finidi George.
1. Finidi George was born on April 15, 1971, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
2. He played as a right winger and was known for his pace, accurate crosses, efficient dribbling, and free-kick abilities. He played for three clubs in Nigeria including Calabar Rovers and Sharks of Port Harcourt.
3. George had a successful club career with Ajax, winning 8 major titles including the 1995 Champions League
4. He also played for Real Betis in Spain, nearly joining Real Madrid before that move fell through.
5. George spent one season with Mallorca and then joined Ipswich Town in the Premier League for £3.1 million in 2002.
6. He made his international debut for Nigeria in 1991 and earned 62 caps, appearing at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups.
7. George won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria and helped them reach the round of 16 at the 1994 World Cup.
8. At the 1994 World Cup, he scored against Greece and celebrated with a famous ‘urinating dog’ celebration.
9. He has 11 brothers, two of whom (Igeniwari and Celestine) were also professional footballers.
10. In September 2021, George was appointed head coach of Nigerian club Enyimba F.C. and won the Nigeria Premier League with them in June 2023.
