After weathering different circumstances and pressure to appoint Findi George as the Super Eagles head coach, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), took it a notch further by giving the ex-Enyimba gaffer the major stake in assembling his technical crew.
George reportedly signed a one-year contract with an option to extend after the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). Although the NFF didn’t reveal the details of his contract before and after his unveiling on Monday, multiple sources claim the 53-year-old’s monthly compensation is pegged at ₦15 million, with bonuses and allowances inbound as add-ons.
Like any manager eyeing success in a new role, coach George’s technical crew has been assembled, with two of the profiles—assistant coach and goalkeepers’ trainer—reportedly imposed on him by the NFF.
Finidi George’s technical crew: All you need to know
1) First assistant coach: Daniel Amokachi
Former Super Eagles forward Daniel Amokachi has been selected as George’s first assistant coach, in what’s understood to be the NFF’s decision.
Both ex-Eagles were part of Nigeria’s title-winning squad at the 1994 AFCON in Tunisia. They were also present in the country’s 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup squads.
It’ll be the third time Amokach will be working as the Eagles assistant coach, having earlier served under late coaches Shaibu Amodu and Stephen Keshi.
2) Benjamin James, second assistant coach
Erstwhile Hoffenheim youth coach Benjamin James Baker was selected by coach George to be his assistant. James’ professional career started in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) where he played for Plateau United and Shooting Stars, before moving to Girone C, a third division club in the Italian football pyramid.
James was once called up to the Eagles by Clemence Westerhof. In a chat with the Vanguard in 2016, he revealed his closeness to signing for Ajax when George did in 1993.
The ex-Shooting Stars defender has over 15 years of managerial experience under his belt.
3) Olatunji Baruwa, goalkeepers’ trainer
After his 20-month stint as the side’s goalkeepers’ trainer under Jose Peseiro, Olatunji Baruwa is set to retain the role under George.
Baruwa, who was once the head coach of Osun United, will also be retaining his position as Nasarawa United goalies’ trainer.
Vincent Enyeama was reportedly been scouted by the NFF for the position, but the ex-Lille goalkeeper had revealed his reluctance to take on the role, as reported by Football411 on April 24.
4) Chima Onyeike, fitness trainer
Netherland-born Chima Onyeike joined the new Eagles technical crew as the fitness trainer. Born to a Nigerian father, the 48-year-old began his fitness training career—post-football retirement—over a decade ago.
4) Analyst: Mehmet Ozturk
Trabzon-born Mehmet Ozturk was brought on as the team’s analyst. Ozturk, who possesses both German and Turkish nationalities, has held different tactical roles across the countries’ clubs since 2006.
All members of the technical crew, according to the NFF president, will be compensated on a game-by-game basis.
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