The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will hire an expatriate technical adviser for the Super Eagles after the team’s dismal outing in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria has struggled to secure a victory in the qualification series, failing to win any of the four matches played thus far. Their most recent defeat, a surprising loss to Benin Republic, has sparked criticism from fans, with many calling for the removal of Finidi George.
In response to the public outcry, the NFF released a statement on Thursday, acknowledging the need for improvement and expressing regret for the team’s recent performances. They further revealed their intention to appoint a technical adviser in the coming weeks.
“The Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation held a meeting on Wednesday, 12th June 2024 in hybrid mode to deliberate on important issues in Nigeria Football and resolved as follows:
“The Executive Committee wholeheartedly apologized to Nigerians for the dismal output and subsequent very poor returns of the Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles, in four out of 10 matches in the ongoing qualification series for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, and pledged to work assiduously and put necessary measures in place to ensure a better-prepared squad ahead of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers in September this year and the resumption of the World Cup qualifiers in March 2025,” the NFF said.
“Further to (1) above, the Executive Committee resolved to employ an expatriate Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles in the coming weeks, ahead of the AFCON qualifiers and the remaining FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.”
It is, however, unclear what role Finidi will play in the Super Eagles going forward.
The NFF also “expressed displeasure with the poor attitude of some of the players to the national assignment, and unanimously decided in favour of a more robust scouting programme of outstanding Nigeria-eligible players from across the four corners of the universe, who can add tremendous value to the nation’s flagship team”.
Apart from the Super Eagles, the football governing body has pledged its support for the Super Falcons as they gear up for the Olympics scheduled to be held in France from July 24th to August 11th.