Officials announced today, Monday, that "Nigeria has appointed Finidi George as the head coach of the national football team, promoting the former international winger from his previous role as assistant coach." George, 53, worked under former coach José Peseiro and took on the role temporarily after the Portuguese coach's contract was not renewed, despite leading Nigeria to the African Cup of Nations final held earlier this year in Ivory Coast, where they lost to the hosts.
George had temporarily assumed the position during two friendly matches in March, winning 2-1 against Ghana but losing 2-0 to Mali. He now officially takes on the role permanently. His immediate task will be to improve Nigeria's performance in the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, following a surprising 1-1 draw at home against the modest Lesotho in the opening round and another 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe on neutral ground in Rwanda.
Nigeria will host South Africa and then play against Benin on neutral ground in Ivory Coast in early June.
