Less than two months after taking over as Nigeria’s head coach, Finidi George, a former player for Ipswich Town, has resigned.
After taking over as interim manager at the end of April, the 53-year-old managed the Super Eagles for just two games before moving into a full-time position.
In World Cup qualification, he managed a 1-1 draw with South Africa and a 2-1 loss to Benin; as a result, Nigeria is currently third in their qualifying group with just three points from four games.
George made the following announcement in quotes obtained by Nigeria’s Premium Times: “Given the recent changes to the technical crew, I believe it’s time for me to step aside.
” He continued, “I am writing to inform you of my decision to step down as head coach of the Super Eagles.
This decision is made in light of the recent changes to the team’s technical staff.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the entire NFF leadership, the sports ministry, and the Nigerian people for the chance to serve as the Super Eagles’ head coach.
You can count on my unwavering support for the team and I wish us all the best in the future.”
George is a football star in Nigeria. He led the “Golden Generation” that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, the year the Super Eagles made their World Cup debut in the United States. George scored six goals in 62 games for his country.
His tenure at Town was notably less fruitful.
In the summer of 2001, he was one of George Burley’s biggest acquisitions, costing the Blues £3.1 million from Mallorca in Spain. However, that season saw Town relegated from the Premier League.