Super Eagles vice-captain, William Troost-Ekong, has voiced his admiration for Finidi George, the newly appointed head coach of Nigeria’s men’s national team.
Last Monday, the NFF board ratified the selection of the former Ajax and Betis star, following the endorsement of its Technical and Development Committee.
Finidi, aged 53, assumed the role after serving as an assistant to José Peseiro for 20 months and as interim coach after Peseiro’s departure post the Eagles’ run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, where they narrowly lost to the hosts, Ivory Coast.
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During his interim stint, Finidi guided the team through two friendlies in Morocco in March, breaking an 18-year winless streak against Ghana with a 2-1 victory before succumbing to a 2-0 loss to Mali.
Troost-Ekong, speaking to Soccernet, shared his respect for Finidi, labeling him a legend in African and Nigerian football.
He expressed a personal connection to Finidi’s career, particularly his achievements at Ajax, where he won numerous titles including the UEFA Champions League.
Highlighting Finidi’s humbleness amidst his accomplishments, Troost-Ekong praised the coach’s successful tenure at Enyimba, where he led the team to a ninth league title.
Troost-Ekong, who missed the March friendlies due to injury, anticipates returning for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic in June, marking Finidi’s debut as full-time Eagles coach.
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