Most players didn?t show up – Finidi George reveals why he didn’t succeed as Super Eagles coach

Finidi George has explained why he did not succeed as head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Finidi was handed the Eagles job on a permanent basis, after being appointed as interim coach, but left his role after just two competitive games.

The Eagles could only manage a 1-1 draw in Uyo in his first official game against South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Few days later, the Eagles lost 2-1 to Benin Republic on matchday four despite taking the lead, leading to reports of an imminent employment of a new coach. 

The reports didn’t go down well with Finidi who resigned . He has since taken over 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’ 

 

“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.“

 

The AFCON 1994 champion also talked about his issue with Superstar, Victor Osimhen, saying if he was in the shoes of the reigning CAF Player of the Year he would have reacted differently.
 

He added:”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.”