Nigerian legend wishes 'brother' Finidi George success as Super Eagles coach

Nigerian football legend Mutiu Adepoju has given his full backing to former international teammate Finidi George after his surprise appointment as interim head coach of the Super Eagles.

George was handed the temporary reins of the national team following the departure of Jose Peseiro whose contract expired after Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations journey in Cote d’Ivoire.

Super Eagles will take on rivals Ghana and Mali in a double-header international friendly matches slated for Morocco as Nigeria regroups after AFCON 2023, with Finidi in charge on an interim basis.

Adepoju, 53, who was part of the same brilliant Super Eagles squad as Finidi in the 1990s, was one of the first to congratulate his "brother" on landing the big job.

"Just learning that my brother and colleague Finidi George has been appointed Interim Head Coach of Nigeria Super Eagles," the 1994 AFCON winner wrote on Facebook.

"Big news and massive congratulations from me. Here's wishing you the best of success."

Finidi certainly has an impressive coaching CV to fall back on as he takes temporary charge of the three-time African champions.

The former Ajax and Real Betis winger led Enyimba to a record-extending ninth Nigerian league title just last season.

He had also been part of Peseiro's coaching staff, serving as an assistant before the Portuguese's exit opened up the interim vacancy.

With crucial 2025 AFCON and 2026 World Cup qualifiers coming up later in the year, the Nigerian Football Federation will be hoping Finidi can provide a much-needed steadying hand.

His legendary former teammate Adepoju seems confident the new man can thrive in the role and help to usher the Super Eagles into a new era.