The president of the NFF Ibrahim Gusau has admitted it was not an easy decision to appoint Finidi George as new Super Eagles coach.
The NFF Monday announced Finidi as successor to the Portuguese Jose Peseiro, who opted not to continue after he led the country to the AFCON Final in February.
The Enyimba coach was appointed ahead of former Flying Eagles coach Emmanuel Amuneke.
“It wasn’t an easy decision,” admitted Gusau.
“We’ve to begin to trust our own.
“We will give Finidi all the respect and support he needs.”
The appointment was made as the debate raged over whether the team be headed by a foreign or local coach.
The immediate task of the new coach will be two crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa on June 7 in Uyo and versus Benin in Abidjan four days later.
Nigeria are third in the qualifying group with two points after two rounds of matches.
Rwanda top the group with four points with South Africa second on three points.