Finidi George appointed interim Nigeria coach as search for Jose Peseiro’s successor goes on

The Nigeria Football Federation has named the former Super Eagles winger as caretaker coach for the March international friendlies.

Nigeria are without a permanent coach since February after parting ways with Jose Peseiro who led them to an Africa Cup of Nations silver medal.

Finidi George was Peseiro’s assistant and has been handed the temporary reigns of the national team.

The 52-year-old will be in charge of the Super Eagles’ international friendly matches against Ghana on March 22 and Mali four days later in Morocco.

George has already started work preparing for the international friendly matches.

“Coach George Finidi has held a meeting with Super Eagles team officials as he leads the Super Eagles’ international friendlies against Ghana and Mali,” the Nigeria Football Federation announced in a brief statement.

Having been one of the more than 20 applicants interested in the Super Eagles job, the upcoming friendlies are crucial for George.

If he impresses with victories over rivals Ghana and Mali, he might be considered for the permanent role.

Should he land the Nigeria coaching job, George’s first competitive assignments would be a 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Bafana Bafana in June.

The Super Eagles will be without a few key players when they face Ghana and Mali.

George will be hoping the absence of injured attackers Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi as well as defenders Tyronne Ebuehi and Luton Town’s Gabriel Osho will not dent his bid to impress NFF chiefs.