by Staff Reporter
Monday Jun 17, 2024. 13:00
Finidi George claims he stepped down from his role as Nigeria head coach following the Nigeria Football Federation’s decision to bring in a foreign technical advisor.
News broke last week that the NFF intended to shake up the technical team after George failed to win his first two competitive matches in charge of the Super Eagles this month.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finalists remain winless after four matches in 2026 World Cup qualifying following a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Uyo on June 7 and a 2=1 defeat to Benin in Abidjan three days later.
Nigeria were seen as favourites in Group C, but they are in danger of failing to qualify for the global showpiece in Canada, Mexico and the United States after picking up just three points thus far.
George believed he could still turn the team’s fortunes around despite trailing joint-leaders Rwanda, Bafana Bafana and the Cheetahs by four points in fifth place, but stated that the governing body forced his hand.
The 53-year-old’s tenure lasted just 47 days after he was appointed as Jose Peseiro’s successor in April, having overseen the March friendlies against Ghana and Mali on an interim basis.
“I am writing to inform you of my decision to step down as head coach of the Super Eagles,” he said. “This decision is made in light of the recent changes to the team’s technical staff.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the entire NFF leadership, the sports ministry, and the Nigerian people for the chance to serve as the Super Eagles’ head coach.
“Please be assured of my unwavering support for the team, and I wish us all the best in the future.
“While the recent qualifying results haven’t been ideal, I remained committed to guiding our World Cup qualification campaign back on course. Given the recent changes to the technical crew, I believe it’s time for me to step aside.”
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