The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has opted to bring in an expatriate Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles, marking a significant shift from Finidi George’s tenure as head coach.
The decision, announced following an emergency NFF Executive Committee meeting, comes on the heels of disappointing performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria, once considered a favorite in their group, has struggled to secure points, managing only three from four matches. A draw with South Africa and a defeat to Benin Republic worsened the situation, prompting calls for change from both fans and government officials.
“The Executive Committee resolved to employ an expatriate Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles in the coming weeks, ahead of the AFCON qualifiers and the remaining FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.”
While the NFF’s statement did not explicitly state George’s fate and whether or not he was fired, a top official who did not want to be named, told ESPN that the federation is hiring a Technical Adviser, and George would remain as head coach, if he so chooses, in what would essentially be a demotion.
The move underscores Nigeria’s determination to revitalise its national football program and restore confidence ahead of crucial AFCON and World Cup qualifying matches in the coming months.
Nigeria only managed to get three points from four matches after a 1-1 home draw against South Africa was followed by a damaging 1-2 loss at Benin Republic, ironically coached by former mentor Gernot Rohr.
Following back-to-back 1-1 draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe under Jose Peseiro, there was optimism that George’s appointment would steer the team to victories. However, securing only one point from six has severely endangered the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification prospects.
The decision to opt for a Technical Adviser follows pressure from the Nigerian government, which expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s recent outings and demanded accountability. Nigeria’s sports minister demanded an explanation even before the team had left Côte d’Ivoire and the NFF had no option but to act.
“The Executive Committee wholeheartedly apologises to Nigerians for the dismal output and subsequent very poor returns of the Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles, in four out of 10 matches in the ongoing qualification series for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
“[The NFF] pledges to work assiduously and put necessary measures in place to ensure a better-prepared squad ahead of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers in September this year and the resumption of the World Cup qualifiers in March 2025, ”the NFF’s statement read, acknowledging the public’s disappointment.
In addition to hiring a Technical Adviser, the NFF plans to overhaul its technical department and policy-making structures to better prepare for upcoming competitions. This includes robust scouting efforts aimed at identifying talented Nigerian players worldwide.
The statement continued: “Notwithstanding the challenges that attended the team’s preparations for the Day 3 and Day 4 games of the FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, owing to a 38-hour nationwide industrial action, the Board expressed displeasure with the poor attitude of some of the players to the National Assignment.
“[We] unanimously decided in favour of a more robust scouting programme of outstanding Nigeria-eligible players from across the four corners of the universe, who can add tremendous value to the nation’s flagship team.”
Amidst broader reforms, the NFF also intends to convene a Stakeholders’ Forum to discuss amendments to its statutes in collaboration with FIFA. These amendments are expected to address longstanding concerns over the composition and eligibility criteria of the NFF Executive Committee, issues that have sparked controversy and resistance within the football community.
“The Executive Committee also resolved that a Stakeholders’ Forum be convened in a few weeks’ time, to deliberate on amendments to the current NFF Statutes, in conjunction with world football-governing body, FIFA.”
Stakeholders have consistently urged the NFF to revise its Statutes, particularly regarding the composition and eligibility criteria for executive committee positions. However, these calls have encountered significant opposition within the NFF Congress, primarily from state FA chairmen who dominate the Congress and fear a reduction in their authority.
To navigate these challenges, the NFF established a Reform Committee in 2018 to tackle these issues, yet the committee’s recommendations were never implemented. Proposed amendments to the Statutes are anticipated to broaden the Congress and Executive Committee, as well as relax the eligibility requirements for candidacy to the NFF board.
Melissa Enoch
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