By Aiyeku Timothy 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says it settled for ex-international Finidi George as the head coach of Super Eagles because of the yearnings and aspirations Nigerians for an indigenous coach.

NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau made this known after the former Enyimba coach was unveiled at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Monday morning. 

Following the exit of Jose Peseiro, Finidi George was favoured ahead of several foreign tacticians who applied for the job.

Gusau, who was fielding questions from journalists, said, "We listened to the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians that they need an indigenous coach, and that is why we went for Finidi"

The NFF boss earlier expressed his delight with the ‘new chapter’,  saying the football-governing body is determined to fully support George and his assistants to lead the Super Eagles to new heights.

“When we returned from the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, we began the search for a new Head Coach. There was a plethora of foreign applicants, far more than the indigenous applicants. However, we undertook a thorough process that has produced an indigenous coach, and we are very happy about that. Finidi George was part of the technical crew that came close to winning the AFCON, and we have faith in him that he will lead the team to the title next time.  

Backed by the NFF, George has already picked Daniel Amokachi and Benjamin James as assistants, as well as Olatunji Baruwa (goalkeepers’ trainer), Chima Onyeike (Fitness Trainer) and Mehmet Ozturk (Analyst).