Fans celebrate Finidi’s resignation

… as NFF search for ‘Technical Adviser’ for team

Fans have jubilated on social media following Finidi George’s resignation as the head coach of the Super Eagles on Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

This development follows the Nigeria Football Federation’s decision to appoint a foreign technical adviser, a decision made in response to the team’s lackluster performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, including a crucial defeat to Benin Republic that left the Super Eagles struggling in Group C.

The dismal outings drew the ire of the country’s football-crazy populace, who are still smarting from the disappointment of the team’s non-qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Finidi, who was unveiled as head coach earlier this year, had signed a one-year contract with the NFF, with a possibility of extension based on performance in the African Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers.

His tenure included leading Nigeria in two international friendlies and working as an assistant coach under the previous head coach, Jose Peseiro. However, the NFF’s move to hire a foreign technical adviser was seen as a step to revitalise the team’s prospects after a series of disappointing results.

Meanwhile, an official announcement has yet to be made by the NFF on their website or social media handles as at the time of this report.

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, says he is unaware that Finidi has tendered his resignation.

According to reports, Finidi is livid that the NFF leadership met with the sports minister two days ago but failed to mention that players reported late to the camp and that they (NFF) did nothing to mobilise Nigerians in Ivory Coast to support the Eagles in last Monday’s match with Benin Republic.

When a PUNCH correspondent sent a WhatsApp message to Gusau to confirm if Finidi had resigned, he replied, “Not yet aware.”

However, ex-Super Eagles media officer, Toyin Ibitoye, shared the news on X.com on Saturday. He wrote, “News just in Finidi George #FinidiGeorge_FG has resigned from his #NGSuperEagles manager position.”

Similarly, sport photojournalist #poojamedia on his X account said, “Finidi George RESIGNED after being stylishly demoted with the arrival of a foreign technical adviser.”

Fans took to social media to express their relief and optimism for a fresh start, hoping this change will reignite the team’s prospects on the international stage.

A fan with the username, @viqforlan, stated that it was a good thing that Finidi was leaving writing, “Good riddance to an arrogant and inept coach. We should also move on from trying to hand the reins of the Super Eagles to the class of ‘94.”

Royal Spring questioned why Finidi took so long to resign stating, “Why did it take him that long? No tactics! No strategy! No player management! Just get them on the pitch to play. Bye-bye!”

Anthonio, with the username @anthokneeoh, remarked that Finidi seemed unprepared for the role, calling his resignation a cowardly act given the bold promises he made during his appointment.

“I think Mr Finidi didn’t know what he signed up for! This is a very cowardly thing to do, with all the big talks he made during his announcement. Good riddance,” he wrote.

Shafi’i Hamidu considered the resignation a wise move adding, “Wise decision for him to resign. However, that would not still bring back the five points dropped into the World Cup Qualifying table.

“Nonetheless, he needs to leave and give a chance to the new coach. That’s football for you, it’s a game of results. If you can’t produce results then you will be gone by morning.”

Ope Tio echoed his sentiments saying, “I believe this is good news. He should come and now explain what he was said about Victor Osimhen.”

Phil Eze wished Finidi well in his future endeavors writing, “There’s been a terrible rot in Nigerian football for so long. Let’s not forget who was managing the team when we failed to qualify for the World Cup and the AFCON. Look inwards and uproot the problem from its roots. Else, another white man is another band-aid on a deep sore. Best of luck, Finidi.”