By Tolúlopé Olátúnjí
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has decided to hire a foreign technical adviser for the Super Eagles, following a series of disappointing World Cup performances under head coach Finidi George.
This drastic decision came after the NFF Executive Committee’s board meeting on Wednesday. In a communique released by the country’s football body, the committee stated: “The 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.”
Additionally, the committee announced plans to strengthen the NFF Technical Department by adding more qualified personnel and immediately restructuring the Technical and Development Sub-Committee.
The communique did not clarify whether the current Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, will remain in his role under the new foreign tactician or if he will be dismissed.
Apologizing to Nigerians for the team’s lackluster performance, which has resulted in poor outcomes in four out of ten matches in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Executive Committee promised make improvements on the forthcoming AFCON 2025 qualifiers in September and the continuation of the World Cup qualifiers in March 2025.
The communique said “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.”
Meanwhile, the NFF Board also expressed dissatisfaction with some players’ attitudes toward national duties. It resolved to initiate a more comprehensive scouting program to identify outstanding Nigeria-eligible players worldwide who can significantly enhance the national team.
George has faced criticism from many football analysts who have questioned his technical and tactical capabilities, especially after the Super Eagles’ recent underwhelming World Cup performances. The team managed a draw against South Africa in Uyo before losing to Benin Republic in an away match three days later.
