2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Finidi Acknowledges The Challenges That Lie Ahead

By Songu Michael.

“We aim to establish a formidable national team,” states the Super Eagles assistant coach. With just a few weeks remaining until the Nigeria/South Africa 2006 World Cup qualifier in Uyo, Nigerians are feeling uneasy about the slow progress. Finidi George, the newly appointed Nigeria coach, will face his first challenge against Bafana Bafana at home.
Following that, the Super Eagles will confront the Benin Republic as they strive to secure the top spot in Group C.
George is well aware of the challenges ahead and stresses the importance of not fearing their opponents.
“We understand that Nigerians expect the team to emerge victorious every time, and we will focus on preparing the players for each game individually,” he said. “Our attention is currently on the upcoming South African match, and only after that will we shift our focus to the Benin Republic game.”

“Life is full of obstacles, and we must navigate through them knowing that difficulties will arise,” added the Super Eagles coach. “That’s how I approach life, and football is no different. We will execute our duties to ensure the best outcome in the game, and nothing else matters.”
The clash against Bafana will mark George’s first competitive game in charge of the Super Eagles. Nigeria enters this match following a 2-0 loss to Mali in a March friendly, where George served as the interim coach. He is determined not to let that result demoralize his team ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifiers.

While Bafana coach Hugo Broos has already announced his preliminary squad for the June World Cup qualifiers, George is yet to reveal his team. The announcement is expected soon as he finalizes his selection.
“We aim to build the strongest national team,” says Super Eagles assistant coach, James. Meanwhile, Benjamin James, another assistant coach, is confident that the new coaching staff can create one of the most formidable national teams globally.
The former Shooting Stars player is part of the fresh Super Eagles technical crew presented by the Nigeria Football Federation recently. James will juggle this role with his position at the Bundesliga club, Hoffenheim.
The 53-year-old is optimistic about collaborating with head coach Finidi George and Daniel Amokachi to assemble a solid team. “I have gained enough experience to believe that when Finidi, Amokachi, and I brainstorm together, we will produce something remarkable,” he remarked.
“The tactical approach will be deliberated among the three of us. The players currently in the squad are talented; it’s just a matter of positioning them correctly.
“Finidi is composed, and although I am less familiar with Amokachi, I believe he is also level-headed. I am confident that our collective efforts will yield the best results.”
The new technical crew’s inaugural task will be the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against South Africa.