Freshly appointed as the head coach of the Super Eagles, Finidi George is already aiming for the stars, setting his sights on securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup. In his unveiling to the media in Abuja on Monday, the former Ajax winger wasted no time in outlining his immediate priorities – two crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin early next month.
“Nigeria comes first,” Finidi emphasized, demanding unwavering commitment from his top players. “You have to be playing in your club, and you must have the commitment,” he told reporters, underlining the importance of dedication to the national team.
With Nigeria currently sitting in third place in their qualifying group, the upcoming clash against South Africa holds significant weight. “The first targets are to qualify for the World Cup and AFCON,” Finidi stressed, highlighting the pivotal nature of the upcoming fixtures.
Acknowledging the pressure that comes with leading a team representing a nation of over 200 million people, Finidi exuded confidence in his ability to handle the scrutiny. “I have a tough skin,” he declared, ready to face the challenges head-on.
While the details of his salary remain undisclosed, Finidi expressed a willingness to prioritize performance over immediate financial rewards. “The salary is good enough for me,” he stated. “Money is good, but if you add value to what you do, the money will come.” With his eyes firmly set on guiding Nigeria to success, Finidi is prepared to lead by example and deliver results on the field.