Finidi mandate – Qualify for 2026 World Cup, work with home-based players

The main tasks of the new Super Eagles coach Finidi is to qualify the country for the 2026 World Cup as well as work more closely with players who are based locally.

Nigeria are third in their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup after draws witb Lesotho and Zimbabwe in November.

On June 7 in Uyo, they welcome second-placed South Africa, before they battle bottom team Benin in Abidjana few days later.

“In the month of June, Nigeria will play the games of their lives against South Africa and Benin,” said former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba, who is also on the NFF technicsl committee that recommended Finidi for the top post.

“We are on the back foot after we drew our first two World Cup qualifiers and so we have to win the next games.

“We have the players and if Finidi can get the best out of them, we will qualify for the World Cup.”

IKpeba also said the new coach will also be expected to give players playing their football in Nigeria a more decent chance in the Super Eagles.

“He lives here, he works here (as coach of NPFL champions Enyimba),” he said.

“He will give the local players a chance in his team.

“He will have to look inwards, that’s how we got the player Finidi George.”