NFF: Victor Ikpeba Defends Finidi George’s Choice As Ideal For Super-Eagles (Details)

NFF: Victor Ikpeba Defends Finidi George’s Choice As Ideal For Super-Eagles (Details)

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) technical committee member, Victor Ikpeba, has staunchly defended the appointment of Finidi George as the current head coach of the Super Eagles, insisting that he was the best choice available for the team.

Ikpeba, who was part of the technical committee that decided to replace Jose Peseiro with Finidi George, addressed the recent criticism surrounding the coach’s performance. Prior to his appointment, Finidi George had limited experience coaching elite sides, aside from a 20-month stint as Jose Peseiro’s assistant coach.

The Super Eagles’ first two games under George’s leadership were the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa, resulting in a 1-1 draw, and a 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic on Monday, June 10.

Currently, the Nigerian side occupies the 5th spot out of 6 teams in Group C, trailing by four points from first-placed Rwanda, second-placed South Africa, and third-placed Benin Republic.

“Nigerians asked for a local coach and Finidi was found to be the best man to lead the Super Eagles at this time,” Ikpeba asserted, according to SCORENigeria.

“The technical committee chose the best in the interest of the country.

“Finidi will therefore continue to enjoy the full support of the NFF despite the recent results posted by the Super Eagles.”

Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in Group C, on the brink of failing to qualify for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup, Ikpeba believes that the Super Eagles players must take responsibility for their performance and strive to turn things around in the upcoming qualification series.

“The players have become too comfortable, they now have to step up and take full responsibility,” Ikpeba, a former Nigeria international, remarked.

“The talent is there in the team for them to turn things around next year.

“History will be kind to them when they fight back and qualify Nigeria.

“We missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and it was a special tournament.”