HONOURABLE DECISION — 1980 AFCON winner backs Finidi George for quitting 'negative' Super Eagles job, slams NFF

Finidi George returned to the NPFL after a short spell with the Super Eagles. || X

HONOURABLE DECISION — 1980 AFCON winner backs Finidi George for quitting 'negative' Super Eagles job, slams NFF

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 16:25 - 23.06.2024

Nigerian icon Segun Odegbami believes that Finidi George was doomed to fail as Super Eagles because his appointment was marred by negative intentions and reluctance which created an atmosphere of bad blood.

Nigerian football icon Segun Odegbami has launched a scathing attack on his country's football chiefs after the shock resignation of Finidi George as manager of the Super Eagles.

Finidi, 53, was forced to walk away from the high-profile role after just two games in charge, leaving Nigeria's 2026 World Cup dreams in tatters.

Nigerian legend backs Finidi against NFF

The former winger was only appointed last month to replace Jose Peseiro but a draw against South Africa and a humiliating defeat to minnows Benin Republic proved to be the final straw.

And now legendary Nigerian star Odegbami has lifted the lid on the behind-the-scenes chaos that led to Finidi's hasty departure, branding it a 'poisoned chalice' that was 'doomed to fail' from the start.

Finidi George, former Super Eagles coach won just one of four matches.
Finidi George, former Super Eagles coach won just one of four matches. || X

“Finidi George and the whole idea of hiring an indigenous coach for the country were not the desired options of the current football administrators,' Odegbami fumed in his latest Vanguard column.

“Finidi's reluctant engagement was wrapped in so much bad blood and negative intentions that it was doomed to fail!”

Segun Odegbami believes Finidi George was set up to fail before his appointment.
Segun Odegbami believes Finidi George was set up to fail before his appointment.. Credit: X

The three-time NPFL winner also slammed the 'unacceptable' loss to Benin before praising Finidi's 'honourable' decision to walk away from the 'poisoned chalice', accusing the powers-that-be of not giving the former Enyimba man the necessary support.

“There was no way he would not have failed even though losing to the Benin Republic was never on the cards, and is a totally unacceptable result,” he added.

Super Eagles during the game against South Africa.
Super Eagles during the game against South Africa. || Image credit: Imago

“So, Finidi’s decision to leave the poisoned Chalice alone by resigning is the most honourable thing to do.”

In what could be described as corroborating Odegbami, the NFF moved 'swiftly after the loss to Benin to put in measures to revive the World Cup dreams behind Finidi’s back, ultimately forcing him to call it quits.

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The shock resignation comes as another major blow to Nigeria's 2026 World Cup qualification hopes, with the Super Eagles now facing an uphill battle to secure their place in the tournament.

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