I Will Not Let Anybody Down - Spiritual Finidi vows to make Nigerians proud as new Nigeria coach

Former Enyimba boss Finidi George says he is determined to "make Nigerians proud" after being handed the opportunity to manage the national team, the Super Eagles.

The former winger was officially unveiled as Nigeria's new head coach on Monday, replacing Jose Peseiro who departed after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

And speaking at his first press conference, an emotional Finidi admitted he never expected to land such a prestigious role as he vowed to do his utmost to bring success.

"I have worked hard for almost three years now I have been in Nigeria and I want to say I am grateful for this great opportunity given to me to manage the Super Eagles.

"It's not an easy job for anybody but I'm so happy, even short of words. For me, it is just to start working immediately which I've been doing even before signing this contract.

"I just want to say a big thank you for this great opportunity and I believe the God that has brought me here will make everything perfect.

"My job is to make Nigerians proud, the federation, as well for this great opportunity. I believe I will not let anybody down. I will do my best to make sure that we get the job done."

Finidi, who earned 62 caps and was part of the lauded 1994 AFCON winning team, takes over a struggling Super Eagles side that lost on penalties to Ivory Coast in this year's AFCON final.

The 53-year-old had recently been in interim charge for a 2-1 friendly win over Ghana and a 2-0 loss to Mali as he got a taste of the role.

His immediate target will be securing qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA 2026 World Cup campaign.

With his legendary status and experience working under Peseiro, the Nigerian Football Federation are backing Finidi to restore pride in the national team set-up.

However, concerns remain over whether he has been handed enough time, signing just an initial 12-month contract to revive the Super Eagles' fortunes.