National Teams
Ex-Edo Dep Gov Philip Shaibu criticizes NFF’s acceptance of Finidi George’s resignation
By Saheed Afolabi
The immediate past deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has expressed his concerns over the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) handling of Finidi George’s resignation as the national team head coach.
Finidi George, a former international and Enyimba gaffer, left the Super Eagles technical crew following the NFF’s decision to hire a foreign coach, a move that did not sit well with him.
Shaibu believes that the NFF should have retained Finidi and built a solid team around him.
“The Super Eagles have not been impressive in recent times. We have the players but we don’t have a team like England. We need a coach who can build a team,” Shaibu said during an interview in Abuja.
“For me, I would have left Finidi George to continue with the team and give him more time to build it.”
Shaibu drew parallels with his experience at Bendel Insurance, where he resisted pressures to sack the coach and instead supported the team’s development, leading to significant successes.
“I had a similar problem when we decided to rebuild Bendel Insurance FC. There was pressure from many to fire the coach, but I chose not to. Instead, we brought in some players and after three years, we won promotion to NPFL, went unbeaten in a season, and finally won the FA Cup after 43 years. We need patience to achieve success,” he explained.
Shaibu emphasized the need for patience and trust in local coaches, suggesting that hiring a foreign coach would not necessarily bring better results.
“All Nigerians are coaches. If you bring a white man to coach the Super Eagles, the difference is just the color. I think we have what it takes here. That is my opinion,” he added.
Following his resignation from the Super Eagles, Finidi George has taken up the role of head coach at Rivers United.
