NFF keeps mute on Finidi George’s resignation amid calls for Amunike, Siasia
NFF keeps mute on Finidi George’s resignation amid calls for Amunike, Siasia
It has been one week since Finidi George resigned as the head coach of the Super Eagles.
Since then, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has refused to publicly confirm receipt of the letter.
The only comments made by anyone in the Glass House was from NFF president, Ibrahim Gusau.
Gusau claimed he was unaware that Finidi had tendered his resignation.
“Not yet aware,” he said.
What is however definite, is that Finidi has left the role.
The former Nigeria international stepped aside after the NFF announced Thursday that it would appoint an “expatriate technical adviser”, following their dismal performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifying series.
The three-time African champions have managed just three points from a possible 12.
And their hope of qualification is in jeopardy, as they sit fifth in the six-team Group C.
Despite the NFF clearly stating they want to bring in a foreigner, there has been debate in football circles over if they should give another local coach a chance.
Nwosu Michael Izuchukwu, a podcaster and digital marketer, insists that the ship has sailed.
“Honestly, I think we need to let go of the nostalgia from the late Stephen Keshi’s time and just go foreign,” Izuchukwu tells DAILY POST.
“Keshi already had experience coaching Togo, before he got the Super Eagles job.
“I don’t think we have any local coach who can boast of that sort of experience.”
Those who have argued in favour of local coaches, have pointed out how poorly the recent foreign tacticians have performed.
But Izuchukwu has singled out Gernot Rohr, who ironically defeated the Eagles with Benin Republic this month, as one of those who did well.
“Rohr had a good stint as the manager of the Super Eagles,” he says.
“And I can tell you with certainty that if he was still our coach, we would be in pole position to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
“He didn’t play the most beautiful football, but then again, when you look at African football, it’s as raw. But still very exciting because the passion is through the roof.”
Since the news of Finidi’s resignation broke, a lot of coaches have been linked with the role – both local and foreign.
Izuchukwu’s preferred choice is surprisingly Emmanuel Amunike.
He said: “At this point, their safest option would be Amunike.
“Majority of the general public seem to think he’s the best man for the job if you’re looking locally.
“Now that Finidi has fallen short of expectation and resigned, we might as well give it to Amunike since we don’t have the means to look outside our borders.”
What about Samson Siasia, whose FIFA’s ban ends in August?
“I don’t want that man anywhere near the national team,” Izuchukwu states as a matter of fact.
“Isn’t he the reason we didn’t qualify for the last World Cup?”
NFF keeps mute on Finidi George’s resignation amid calls for Amunike, Siasia