Emerging details reveal how Finidi George outshined Emmanuel Amuneke and other contenders to clinch the Super Eagles coaching role, according to reports from NewsNow.
The Nigerian Football Federation recently approved the selection of Finidi as coach after evaluating numerous local and international applicants, numbering over 60.
Among the applicants were Michael Nsien, coach of the US U-19 team, Henry Makinwa who previously coached Katsina United in Spain, Sylvanus Okpala, and Daniel Amokachi. Notable figures like former Cameroon coach Antonio Conceicao and Dutchman Danny Bujis also threw their hats in the ring.
A member of the NFF Technical Committee, speaking anonymously due to restrictions, disclosed that external influences attempted to sway the selection process in favor of specific candidates.
The Committee members, however, stayed firm on their decision-making principles, focusing on meritocracy over outside pressures.
“Certain individuals believed they could dictate the outcome, but we stood our ground. Despite efforts to manipulate the selection through a WhatsApp group, we upheld integrity,” the source revealed.
“We understand that dissenting voices may emerge from the applicants not chosen, but our priority is to rally behind the appointed coach and strive for World Cup qualification. The manager is now in place, set to collaborate with federation officials on contractual matters.”
Regarding the selection of Finidi as the optimal choice for the Eagles, the same source highlighted the urgency of the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against South Africa. They sought a candidate familiar with the team dynamics, favoring continuity over a drastic change in coaching philosophy.
The insider praised Finidi’s extensive experience, particularly his tenure at Enyimba as well as his understanding of local and continental football landscapes.
“Finidi brings a contemporary perspective shaped by his recent coaching activities. With his background at Enyimba and prior involvement with the national team, his appointment aligns with our need for a seamless transition and tactical consistency,” the source emphasized.
Additionally, financial considerations factored into selecting Finidi for the role, with the source alluding to the impracticality of affording a foreign coach the anticipated remuneration.”,
Meanwhile, some of the applicants have shared their perspectives on the selection process leading to the coaching appointment.
Although Amuneke acknowledged the fairness of the process, he noted the absence of formal interviews in the evaluation.
“There were no interviews or direct communication from the federation regarding the job. They have chosen a deserving coach amongst us, and our focus should be on supporting him,” Amuneke remarked.
When asked about the transparency of the selection process, Michael Nsien, another candidate, highlighted the absence of interviews as a limiting factor.
“The lack of interviews raises questions about transparency. Interviews would have offered a clearer evaluation process,” Nsien remarked optimistically about Finidi’s potential in assembling a competent coaching staff.
Similarly, Sylvanus Okpala, a former player and assistant coach with notable achievements, refrained from commenting on the selection process but extended congratulations to Finidi on his appointment.
“Supporting Finidi is crucial for his success. As fellow applicants, we understand only one can emerge victorious. Let us rally behind him to elevate the Eagles,” Okpala expressed.