Former Super Eagles defender George Abbey has backed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) decision to appoint a foreign Technical Adviser for the team.
Following the Eagles’ poor showing against South Africa and Benin Republic on matchday 3 and 4 in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the NFF executive committee announced that a foreign coach, who will serve as technical adviser to head coach Finidi George would be appointed.
The NFF’s decision to hire a foreign coach came just over a month after the appointment of Finidi, who took over from Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro. Finidi has since resigned his position as Eagles head coach.
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Finidi was called out by Victor Osimhen on Instagram, accusing the former Ajax star of allegedly saying he wouldn’t beg him (Osimhen) to play for the Eagles.
Speaking on the move to get a foreign handler Abbey, a 2004 AFCON bronze medal winner. said it is the best decision.
According to the former right-back, no local coach can command respect from the players of the Eagles.
“I believe this players need to respect the head coach especially the foreign based players,” George said on Brila FM. “I don’t see any local head coach now who would demand the respect as required to lead this team. So I believe it’s the right decision to go and look for a capable Technical Adviser who would steer this team in the right direction, who would enforce discipline, bring the right philosophy and hopefully get this players playing in the right way, wanting to give their all to the national team.
“A coach who would come and identify the strength and weaknesses of the team and hopefully pick a team that is capable of delivering the result we need.“
The Eagles will be back in March in continuation of the World Cup when they will take on Rwanda in Kigali and Zimbabwe in Uyo.
