Finidi George Set for Fresh Start in Coaching Following Super Eagles Departure

• Finidi George could be set to return to coaching barely a month after resigning as head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles
• The 53-year-old managerial reign as Super Eagles coach lasted only 40 days after two poor results in the World Cup qualifiers
• Finidi is being considered by Nigeria Professional Football League club Rivers United to become their new head coach

Finidi George could return to coaching weeks after resigning as head coach of the Super Eagles, with a return to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on the agenda for the former Real Betis star.

The 53-year-old manager was appointed as Nigeria’s head coach in May but his tenure quickly turned sour after two poor results in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Finidi George: Nigerian Tactician Reportedly Resigns As Super Eagles Coach After Poor Results in World Cup Qualifiers

Football

Under his tutelage, Finidi led the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw with South Africa at home and then suffered a 2-1 defeat to Benin, raising questions about his ability to lead the team.

According to Soccernet, the underfire coach quickly resigned, however, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) originally denied receiving his resignation letter before acknowledging it and launching the search for a new coach.

The NFF are yet to find Finidi’s replacement with several names being reportedly linked with the vacant Super Eagles job.

Finidi set for NPFL return

Meanwhile, Finidi could be set for a return to the NPFL as Rivers United are considering hiring the former Super Eagles coach as their next manager ahead of the 2024/25 season, Daily Post reports.

The Pride of Rivers wants to ring changes to their technical team after they struggled in the league, finishing outside the top spots and failing to secure a continental ticket for the first time in three years.

Super Eagles Vacancy: NFF to consider former Saudi Pro League coach Marc Brys to succeed Finidi George

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Finidi, who led Enyimba to the 2023 NPFL title, left as People’s Elephants head coach in May to focus solely on the Super Eagles job, although his time with Nigeria’s senior national side did not go as planned.

Finidi confirms his Enyimba resignation

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Finidi has denied he would manage Enyimba FC while juggling his national team responsibilities.

The former Ajax winger, who led Enyimba to a Nigeria Professional Football League title last year, affirmed his complete commitment to the Super Eagles.

During his time as assistant coach to Jose Peseiro, Finidi also managed the local club, who are currently in third place in the Nigerian league with six games left.