Former Super Eagles winger, Finidi George, is hopeful that one day he will coach one of the Nigerian national teams although he has been rejected twice.
Finidi, who donned the Green and White Jersey of the Super Eagles from 1991 to 2002, was overlooked in 2018 when he applied to manage the under-17 team but the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) decided to retain Manu Garba.
In 2020, the 49-year-old was again rejected for the same position and the job given to another ex-international and veteran local manager Fatai Amoo.
Undaunted, Finidi – who retired from football in 2004 and has the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations trophy as well as three league titles and the 1995 European Champions League with Dutch giants Ajax to his name – says he will continue putting himself forward for national coaching roles.
Speaking in a recent interview, Finidi said “I was disappointed to be ignored, but also consoled that at the end of the day this is Nigeria.
“I understand the challenges, I will just wait for when the time is right and the next opportunity presents itself again.
“As I continue to look at other options out there, I am open and will not shut the doors to Nigeria.
“I just hope someday that decision will be made and I will be called upon to handle one of the teams. I can only just keep hoping.”
Finidi holds a UEFA A Licence which is one level below the highest qualification, the Pro Licence. With the certification, the former Real Betis player can be head coach of youth teams up to age 18, reserve teams (also known as ‘B’ teams) for top-flight clubs, and men’s professional second-tier clubs.
Finidi previously held coaching roles at Real Betis and Real Mallorca.