It is not more news that the former Nigeria international, Finidi George was appointed and now have been unveiled as the new boss of africa most expensive national team, The Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Finidi, a former player of Ajax FC of Amsterdam, and after retirement went into coaching having received trainings and licences by UEFA in football coaching, youth development and administration, rose through the ranks to become at one point Sporting director of Real Soceidad of Spain, a juicy post he left for the love of his country's football development, returned home to become head coach of the famous Nigerian giants *Enyimba FC of Aba.* Finidi George was chosen ahead of other coaches and ex-internationals who had indicated interests in the job, but Finidi having served as assistant for about 18 months to the immediate past manager of the super eagles José PESEIRO was favoured probably because of the team chemistry and dressing room management abilities as seen in the last concluded African Nation's cup which Nigerian super eagles finished as runners up behind the host nation Ivory Coast.

His appointment generated many fuss and divided many football enthusiasts ad many had their preferred candidates based on what they thought was good for the national team. Now that all the dusts about his appointment is settled and unveiling has already been done, i am of the opinion that it is time for proper work to begin as we're faced with a Herculean task of qualifications to major tournaments quickly coming.

As it is, there seems have been hitches here and there as regarding the choice of who his assistants will be. 

It has been reported in some electronic media platforms and other print medias that some ex-internationals are indicating interests to work with Finidi George as his assistants. 
I do not see any problem with this, they all can bring their expertise and experiences to the fore, it is to the good and benefit of our national team and country (Football).

But, I have a few worries, owing to experiences in  the past, and I wonder if Finidi George will be able to take absolute control as the manager he is.

We all know that in the super eagles at the moment, there are players who needs to move on, play more of motivating roles, player who may not be able as far as nature and age is concerned to offer much on the pitch of play. It is important that the manager understands what is at stake and not allow sentiments ruin his chance. 

Nigeria did not participate in the last world cup because we could not take the advantage at home there at Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja at the last qualifying game against our rival neighbors and brothers the Black Stars of Ghana. 
The memories of that ugly night is still fresh in our minds, therefore only a qualification to the next World Cup would erase such horrible memory. 

Moreover, it will be a shame if the super eagles of nigeria, a team boasting the african best player and looking set to retain same title as both (*Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen in Germany and Ademola Lookman of ATLANTA FC* who had a fantastic AFCON tournament are actually miles ahead other possible contestants as it looks at the moment), fails to qualify for the mundial a second time in a row. In a typical nigerian religious way, one would say "God forbid", but God will only forbid if the managers of the team, Finidi George being at the helm is able to do what is seemingly right for the team to succeed. There is not going to be any magic.

I do not know Finidi personally, I have not been in his training sessions to know his capacity and capabilities, I want to believe that he can do the job, reason the those saddled with the responsibilities to appoint a head coach settled for him.

Therefore my appeal is  from all quarters that Finidi George be allowed the FREEDOM he requires to assemble his own team and invite players he sees fit and able to function in his set up so as to be able to take full charge and responsibility for the team, knowing that 8t all falls on his shoulders. Such FREEDOM will propel him to give his all.

We have had times in the past where administrators and agents manipulate and enforce on head coaches who to be on the team or not, and when it all goes south, the Coach suffers for it. I hope this will not be the case in the Finidi era. The gaffer must be allowed, must be given all the necessary tools and free hands to organize and chose who he wants and the players he trust to prosecute any of his games as the Coach of super eagles whether home based or foreign based, as far as those players have pleaded allegiance to tge Federal Republic of Nigeria.

I remember back in the past during the Military rules in Nigeria when the head of state will mandate the coach to report to him or his chief if staff directly in the case of outside interference from any quarter. 
Those eras yielded successes as we noticed that  the criminal elements who selfishly lurk around and try to derail the team by forcing their own players on the coaches feared the consequences and refrained at least to the very least. But these days because of increase in corruption and bad economy these criminals have become emboldened and it doesn't seem that much is being done to deter them.

The success of the national team and of course the present  coach is something every stake holder must take seriously as it will open a lot of windows of opportunities for both indigenous coaches, players and of course administrators.

We must join our voices to speak against those who does not mean well for.our football and these agents whose only interest is their selfish monetary gains in projecting their players.

May our prayers help propel George Finidi to success and may he be bold enough to make the very best and right choices that will offer us the chance to be up there  where the super eagles should be.

Again I am appealing to all.. allow Finidi George the FREEDOM to work and let's hope for the better.

*Ezindu Okay-Lawrence (ACFF)*