Hire Finidi George permanently if he defeats Mali, Aikhoumogbe tells NFF

Former Nigerian international Andrew Aikhoumogbe has advised the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to appoint Finidi George as the Super Eagles manager, should he defeat Mali on Tuesday.

After leading Nigeria to a 2-1 friendly win over Ghana at the Grand de Stade Marrakech in Morocco on Friday, March 22, George will oversee the Eagles on Tuesday when they take on the Les Aigles of Mali.

The game might be the 52-year-old’s final match in charge of the Super Eagles since he was appointed on an interim basis, solely for the friendlies.

In an interview with Complete Sports, Aikhoumogbe told the NFF to appoint George permanently, not only because of his indigenous background but also because he has successfully scaled through the auditioning phase.

“It is my desire to see an indigenous coach manage the Super Eagles. Yes, we have capable hands who can lead the team to success,” the ex-Eagle said.

“One of them is Findi, who worked under Jose Peseiro and must have learnt from him. I was very happy seeing the Super Eagles defeat Ghana under his watch as an interim coach. But I want to believe Tuesday’s game against Mali will serve as another strong audition for him.

“If he wins, then I must suggest to those in the helm of affairs to look towards his direction and give him the opportunity to lead the team.”

Barring any timing discrepancies akin to what was witnessed in the build-up to the friendly against Ghana, Nigeria vs Mali is scheduled to kickstart at 9 pm (WAT) on Tuesday, March 26 at the Stade Marrakech in Morocco.