By Joe Apu
George Finidi on Saturday resigned his post as the Super Eagles Head Coach citing lack of respect and support from the NFF and players attitude.
Finidi in his letter dated June 14, 2024 and addressed to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation stated that he is resigning his role due to the decision of body to effect changes in the Technical crew.
“Although, our results in the qualifying matches were not as desired, I remained committed to getting our World Cup qualification campaign back on track. However, with the recent changes to the technical crew, I believe it is time for me to vacate my position.”
While some fans have described his action as one in the right direction, some others have said it is good riddance to his lack of tact.
Finidi’s resignation came barely two weeks into his reign as Super Eagles Coach with two poor results against South Africa and Benin Republic.
Added to that, the NFF in quick reaction to the poor results announced on return from Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire where the Super Eagles lost 2-1 to lowly rated Benin Republic that a foreign technical adviser would be hired for the team. According to the NFF, the reason behind the decision is to save Nigeria’s World Cup campaign from suffering further blows as the country currently occupies 5th place on the table.
Finidi on his part had blamed the poor results on lack of support from the NFF and players attitude to camp as well as training. In fact, he singled out reigning African Footballer of the Year and Napoli of France striker Victor Osimhen as a major culprit.
Finidi had further said the team lacks basic discipline with players strolling into camp as they like, choosing matches they like to play and matches they abstain from. He noted that the NFF board members protect players and encourage indiscipline and as such many don’t train hard while stressing that they think they are doing the country a favour.
The former Ajax of Holland and Real Betis of Spain star was said to have alleged that the NFF has no respect for local coach and was sad that when the NFF met with the Sports Minister, John Eno, all blame was put squarely on his shoulders whereas, the soccer ruling body in the country knew about the difficulties he faced with players arrival to camp due to the strike action in the country.
Reactions have continued to trail Finidi’s resignation from football stakeholders.
Chairman, Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) Task Force, Harrison Jalla on his part noted this, “Well if its true that Finidi has resigned his appointment, he should be commended because he towed the path of honour. That is the best decision in the circumstance. The Job of a professional coach is very precarious. Nigerians should wish him well in his future endeavours he has done his beat.”
Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, Rangers International of Enugu Head Coach said the development is unfortunate.
“It’s a sad one for me and Nigerian football. It never crossed my mind that Finidi George will quit the Super Eagles less than three months the NFF unveiled him as Head Coach replacing Jose Peseiro. Finidi is what many players look up to. The news came to me as a shock, but the Super Eagles legend being who he is, will move on. He is a top coach and will certainly get another job.”
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper and Supersport analyst Peterside Idah confirmed Finidi’s resignation and said that the gaffer took the right decision.
“It’s true Finidi resigned and it is because he felt that the NFF no longer had faith in him. After all, what’s the point staying on if those you’re working for no longer see your usefulness. Finidi remains confident that Nigeria can still qualify for the World Cup but not with him in charge as he no longer had the support of the federation.”
