New Super Eagles coach Finidi George today demanded total commitment from the players as the country aims to get its 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign back on track after a faltering start.
Finidi, 53, was today in Abuja presented to the media as the country’s new coach.
His immediate tasks are two important 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin early next month.
Nigeria are third in their qualifying group with two points from as many games, while South Africa are second on three points.
The three-time African champions welcome South Africa to the southern town of Uyo on June 7, before they travel to Abidjan for another qualifying match against bottom team Benin few days later.
“Nigeria comes first, that’s what I expect from every player I invite,” he said at the media briefing.
“You have to be playing in your club and you must have the commitment.
“The first targets are to qualify for the World Cup and AFCON and a win over South Africa will set the tone.”
The former Ajax winger maintained he has “a tough skin” to withstand the pressure that comes with leading the team of a country of over 200 million passionate fans.
He has signed a year’s contract with an option for an additional year.
His salary was not disclosed at the event, but he said he hopes to add more value to his new post for his employers to improve his contract.
“The salary is good enough for me, it’s not as much as that of (Jose) Peseiro,” said Finidi George, who led Enyimba to win a record ninth Nigerian championship last season.
“Money is good but if you add value to what you do, the money will come.
“Then they can come and ask ‘coach, how much do you want?’”
