National Teams
NPFL Club Owners back Finidi George for 2026 World Cup Qualifier success
By Saheed Afolabi
Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club owners association, Okey Kpalukwu, has expressed strong confidence in national team coach Finidi George’s ability to succeed in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Kpalukwu, also the boss of Rivers United, showed excitement over the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) decision to appoint Finidi, highlighting his success in the NPFL, where he has won a league title.
“Finidi George is a very good coach and we want him to succeed. He is one of our own, not just because he is a Nigerian, but also because he is shaped out of our domestic league where he competed previously as a player and a coach,” Kpalukwu said.
“He is a product of our domestic football scene and, using my position as the Chairman of the Club Owners Association, I want to wish him all the best.
“All the clubs are solidly behind him, especially considering that he was given the Super Eagles job while in our local league.
“We are all praying for his success in this assignment, to lead our nation into the next World Cup as he also shows what he is made of. We are certain that by God’s grace, Finidi will succeed.”
The Super Eagles will face South Africa on June 7 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, as they begin their journey towards the 2026 World Cup.
