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Aspiring Super Eagles coach Finidi George has revealed how Stephen Keshi’s dual AFCON triumphs as player and manager inspire him.
Interim Super Eagles coach Finidi George has set his sights on replicating Stephen Keshi‘s feat of winning the Africa Cup of Nations as both a player and manager with Nigeria.
Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Finidi has been Super Eagles’ interim boss following the departure of former manager Jose Peseiro.
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Finidi George’s hope of taking the Super Eagles reigns suffered a setback after a defeat to Mali in Morocco.
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George took temporary charge of the three-time African champions for friendlies against Ghana and Mali in Morocco during the March international window.
Finidi’s Keshi Inspiration
After a 2-1 victory over the Black Stars, the 1994 AFCON winner suffered a 2-0 defeat against Mali in his second game at the helm.
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Finidi George has been with the Super Eagles for nearly two years. (Photo Credit: Imago)
But the 52-year-old is already thinking big if he is handed the Super Eagles job on a permanent basis.
“I would like to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON,” George stated according to a Sportsboom report.
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The first Super Eagles team under Finidi George before the game against Ghana. (Photo Credit: theNFF/Facebook)
“He won it as a player, and then as a coach which is fantastic. I would like to do the same,”. “The first thing though, is to qualify first.”
Keshi remains an iconic figure in Nigerian football, having captained the nation to their second AFCON title in 1994 before leading them to another continental triumph as head coach in 2013.
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Stephen Keshi with the 2013 AFCON || Super Sport (X)
George, who played alongside Keshi at the ’94 tournament, clearly holds his former teammate’s achievements in the highest regard as he targets similar success.
Despite the poor outing against Mali, the Enyimba manager remains in the running to permanently succeed Jose Peseiro, who departed after AFCON 2023, where Nigeria finished as runners-up.
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Enyimba coach Finidi George (L) playing for Nigeria against Ghana during the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations in Mali.
Whether he lands the role or not, the ex-winger has grand ambitions of writing his name into Super Eagles folklore by replicating Keshi’s unique double.
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