Three Key Changes Finidi George Could Bring To Super Eagles

Having been without a coach for almost two months, the Nigeria Football Federation has finally announced Finidi George as the substantive head coach of the Super Eagles.

Though not new to the current Super Eagles team having spent the last twenty months as assistant to Portuguese gaffer, Jose Peseiro, the former Real Betis winger now has full control of the throttle to pick up from where his former boss left off, and drive the Super Eagles to the top of african football, at least.

Over the years, with his stints as a coach and style of play as a footballer, Finidi George has shown what his football philosophy is like, giving a peek into what to expect from him as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.

Finidi George, a beguile winger during his playing days, spent a combined seven years in the colours of both Ajax and Real Betis. If there is a thing these two clubsides are known for, it is their philosophy of attacking play.

Imprinted in the Ajax football style is the Total Football philosophy engineered by Johan Cruyff, and Finidi in his managerial career has not betrayed this philosophy as his teams are always known for a free-flowing style of play, which means Super Eagles fans can be hopeful of once again seeing their team play some eye-catching football.

A chunk of the criticisms at Peseiro was his rigidity at sticking to a single tactical approach even in the face of the approach not working out. With Finidi, that is most likely going to be non-existent, with the Nigerian gaffer having shown his knack for tactical flexibility and excellent game reading during his stint at Enyimba.

Unlike Peseiro, Finidi George had a more successful playing career, winning major trophies including the UEFA Champions League as well as representing Nigeria twice at the FIFA World Cup.

With experience of having tasted football at the highest stages, it could prove to be important in the dressing room and on the pitch with the current players in the Super Eagles hungry for major silverwares with the national team.

Finidi could bring his rich experience to bear on the current crop of players which could be a significant source of motivation and guide to a winning culture in the Super Eagles.

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