Nigeria: Newly appointed coach of Nigerian Football Team Super Eagles – Finidi George has demanded a complete commitment from the top players of his team, as he becomes the most highest paid soccer coach in the industry. The coach demanded for this as the team aims to get the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign back on track after a faltering start.
Reportedly, coach Finidi was then presented to the media as the new coach of the soccer team, to succeed the Portuguese Jose Peseiro, whose contract was not renewed after the guiding Nigeria to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in February, in Abuja.
The tasks which were considered immediately are two 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin, early in next month.
Nigeria is at third position in their qualifying group with two points that are collected by playing many games, whereas South Africa is at second with three points.
As per the sources, the three-time African champions will welcome South Africa to the southern town of Uyo on June 7, 2024 before they will travel to Abidjan for another qualifying match against bottom-team Benin three days later.
Coach Finidi made a revelation through his statement that for him Nigeria comes first and that is what it expects from every player he invites.
He confirms that one has to playing in the club and must have the commitment towards their team. The first targets are to qualify for the World Cup and AFCON (African Cup of Nations) and a win over South Africa will set the tone.
While making his statement, the former Ajax winner maintained that he has ‘a tough skin’ to withstand the pressure that comes with leading the football team of a country with more than 200 million.
Finidi George aged 53, has signed a year’s contract with and option for an additional year. Is salary was not disclosed but he said he hopes to do well enough to secure an improved deal.
He further added that the salary is good enough for him, as it is not as much as that of (Jose) Peseiro. “Money is good but if you add value to what you do, the money will come. Then they can come and ask ‘Coach, how much do you want?” said the newly appointed coach Finidi George.
