Once a famous player, part of the ‘Golden Generation’ that triumphed in the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and participated at the 1994 FIFA World Cup with 62 caps for Nigeria and gold, silver, and bronze medals from the 1992, 1994, 2000, and 2002 AFCON tournaments, Finidi George is a true Super Eagles legend. But, as a coach, he failed to get a single win for Nigeria in the World Cup qualifiers. He was also criticized by the team’s striker Victor Osimhen and after only two months, he decided to resign.Former Nigeria coach Finidi George, who resigned from the Super Eagles job on the weekend, told ESPN he heard about the NFF’s decision to hire a foreign technical advisor after they’d had a three-hour meeting with him and failed to mention it. pic.twitter.com/9O0XseCN2D— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) June 18, 2024 The last straw was Nigeria football federation’s decision to hire a ‘technical advisor’, which he interpreted as a sign of mistrust and decided to call it a day.“Given the recent changes to the technical crew. I believe it’s time for me to step aside. I am writing to inform you of my decision to step down as head coach of the Super Eagles. This decision is made in light of the recent changes to the team’s technical staff. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the entire NFF leadership, the sports ministry, and the Nigerian people for the chance to serve as the Super Eagles’ head coach. Please be assured of my unwavering support for the team, and I wish us all the best in the future” he wrote.Osimhen attacks Finidi on Instagram over injury accusationsApart from Victor Osimhen, who obviously thought that Finidi accused him of faking an injury (which the former coach declined), there are others who are glad to see the Super Eagles legend go. Like Dele Ologbese, past Vice Chairman of Ondo State Football Association, who thinks that Finidi‘s resignation will give the football federation a chance to find a better coach. “His resignation from the important job will pave the way for the appointment of a better tactician who will pilot the Super Eagles to the next World Cup. It will not be good for Nigeria’s image as a soccer power in Africa to lose out of the World Cup in two consecutive times.The sports ministry and NFF must do everything humanly possible to ensure that Super Eagles win all their outstanding six matches. A versatile and highly experienced coach who understands Nigeria’s football terrain should be appointed to handle the Super Eagles” he told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).Nigeria lost another gem – Folorunsho is with Italy at the EUROAs for Osimhen, ex-international and General Manager of 3SC of Ibadan, Dimeji Lawal also added his voice that the Napoli striker had belittled a Super Eagles legend.”You are sounding like someone that already prepared himself for battle against Finidi. Everything in this world can be staged, even doctor’s visit and report, though I am not saying that’s the case here. Your outburst is unfair, unfortunate. You are becoming our hero, a legend but belittling another super legend is uncalled for. You sounded highly disrespectful. It’s so unfortunate because we are seeing you as a perfect role model for this new generation. Personally, I love you and your achievements from a difficult background, the energy you used in playing is enough admiration. I joined Nigerians to support you for African best but right now, you fall my hands with your unwarranted outburst” he wrote on his Facebook account. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8167927##
