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Dele Ologbese, the immediate past Vice Chairman of the Ondo State Football Association, described the resignation of Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Finidi George, as a welcome development.
Ologbese believes that Finidi’s resignation will allow for the appointment of a more experienced tactician, which is crucial for Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
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In a telephone interview with a correspondent from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Akure, Ologbese emphasized the importance of Nigeria qualifying for the World Cup. He pointed out that Finidi had faced heavy criticism after the Super Eagles’ poor results in the World Cup qualification matches against South Africa and Benin Republic.
Under Finidi’s leadership, the team drew 1-1 with South Africa and lost 2-1 to Benin Republic, leaving them at the bottom of their group with only 3 points.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) announced its decision to appoint a foreign Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles in the coming weeks, ahead of the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September.
Ologbese criticized the NFF’s handling of the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification bid, suggesting that Finidi’s appointment was a misstep. He expressed hope that a more capable coach would be appointed to lead the team to the next World Cup.
“It will not be good for Nigeria’s image as a soccer power in Africa to lose out on the World Cup for two consecutive times,” Ologbese said. “The Super Eagles need a high-flying gaffer at this time who commands the respect of the team to prosecute the remaining six matches in Group C.”
Ologbese stressed that the resignation of the coach places the responsibility on the NFF and the sports ministry to appoint a better tactician.
He highlighted that Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup means there is no acceptable excuse for missing the next edition. He urged the sports ministry and NFF to do everything possible to ensure that the Super Eagles win all their remaining matches.
“A versatile and highly experienced coach who understands Nigeria’s football terrain should be appointed to handle the Super Eagles,” Ologbese concluded.
