June 17, (THEWILL)- In an unexpected turn of events, Finidi George has resigned as the Head Coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles after a brief and underwhelming stint. His departure will once again re-ignite the ongoing debate about the efficacy of homegrown coaches versus their foreign counterparts in managing the national football team.
This debate becomes particularly relevant, considering the decision of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in their communique after the dismal results George managed on the one hand, and the historical performance of local coaches, with Stephen Keshi being the notable exception who thrived and achieved significant success, on the other.
George’s tenure was marked by a series of disappointing results, culminating in the recent 2-1 loss to Benin Republic in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The defeat was particularly galling as it was orchestrated by Gernot Rohr, a former Super Eagles coach who now leads Benin Republic. This loss is emblematic of Nigeria’s declining football fortunes, as the team now struggles against opponents they previously dominated.
Rohr, reflecting on the victory, highlighted how his team’s organisation and resilience overcame the previously ebullient Super Eagles, a testament to the tactical nous he brings to the Benin squad.
George’s resignation comes amid increasing pressure and scrutiny. Sources reveal that his departure was mutually agreed upon, with a compensation package included as he had not served the full term of his contract. Despite stepping down, George will reportedly remain involved with the team in an as-yet-undisclosed capacity, suggesting a role that could leverage his experience and insights without the pressures of head coaching responsibilities.
The broader context of this situation underscores a persistent dilemma in Nigerian football: the balance between local and foreign coaching expertise. While foreign coaches have historically been favoured, often bringing international experience and different tactical perspectives, their success has been inconsistent. Gernot Rohr’s tenure, for example, saw him lead Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals. However, his subsequent sacking before the 2021 AFCON and 2022 World Cup qualifiers indicated the volatility of relying solely on foreign expertise.
Stephen Keshi’s legacy as a homegrown coach stands out in stark contrast. Keshi not only led Nigeria to victory in the 2013 AFCON but also managed to navigate the team to the knockout stages of the 2014 World Cup. His success was rooted in a deep understanding of local football culture and the ability to inspire homegrown talents. Keshi’s approach demonstrated that with the right support and long-term planning, local coaches could achieve significant success on the international stage.
Looking at other African countries, Senegal provides a compelling example of the benefits of long-term planning with local coaches. Aliou Cissé, a former player, has been at the helm since 2015, guiding Senegal to their first-ever AFCON title in 2021 and solidifying their status as one of Africa’s top teams. Cissé’s tenure highlights the importance of stability and the potential of local coaches to develop a cohesive team capable of competing at the highest levels.
In comparison, Nigeria’s frequent coaching changes and lack of strategic continuity have contributed to its inconsistent performances. The recent defeat to Benin Republic, a team coached by a former Nigerian coach, underscores this issue.
Rohr’s victory over his former team symbolises the pitfalls of instability and the consequences of not having a clear, long-term vision for the national team.
Jose Peseiro, who briefly led the Super Eagles to the finals of the AFCON but fell short of winning the top prize, exemplifies the challenges faced by foreign coaches adapting to the Nigerian football landscape.
Despite initial successes, the lack of sustained support and the high expectations often lead to premature dismissals and missed opportunities for building a strong, competitive team.
The current state of Nigerian football calls for a reassessment of priorities. Investing in the development of local coaches, providing them with the necessary resources and support, and committing to long-term plans could yield better results. George’s continued involvement with the team in a different capacity could be a step in this direction, ensuring that his experience contributes to the team’s growth and stability.
George’s resignation as head coach of the Super Eagles marks a significant moment for Nigerian football. It highlights the ongoing debate about the role of local versus foreign coaches and the need for a strategic, long-term approach to managing the national team. By learning from the successes of other African nations and recognising the potential of homegrown talent, Nigeria can hope to reclaim its place as a dominant force in international football, especially if the government will commit to its role.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
