NFF still working on Finidi George’s contract, assistants

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), yesterday, revealed that it is still working on the details of Coach Finidi George’s contract, even as it has given the Enyimba manager the mandate to start preparing for Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the Benin Republic in June.

The NFF named George as the substantive coach of the Super Eagles on Monday, ending speculations over the identity of Jose Peseiro’s successor three months after the Portuguese left the job.

The federation, however, did not reveal the details of George’s contract, leading to speculations that the body was forced into making the appointment by external influences.

But NFF Media Director, Ademola Olajire, told The Guardian, yesterday, that the federation has been working on the details of the deal, adding, “Everything will be revealed when they are sorted.”

He also said that the coach has been permitted to pick his assistants and revert to the federation.

The Guardian learnt that George’s first task is to open a camp for home-based players, to integrate them into the Super Eagles.
With the camp scheduled for Uyo in May, George, who has been with the Eagles for over two years, is expected to select some players to replace some of the foreign-based stars, who have not been able to pull their weight in the national team.

This will also save the NFF some money from flight tickets and other expenses that accompany the invitation of players from overseas to Nigeria.

The move is also part of plans to start building a home-based team ahead of the qualifiers for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in a yet-to-be-named venue.

The Super Eagles are placed third in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifying series behind Rwanda and South Africa after two disappointing draws with Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

Only group leaders are guaranteed a ticket to the party in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Meanwhile, NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, yesterday, hosted the Ambassador of Burundi to Nigeria, Edward Nduwimana, a former General Secretary of the Football Federation of Burundi, who was also once head of a Regional FA and one-time Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

Talks centred on Nigeria and Burundi strengthening relationships in the football sector, as well as exploring areas of possible cooperation between the two countries’ football governing bodies.