Former Nigeria Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, has emphasized the need for patience in integrating Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players into the national team.
During his brief tenure as head coach, Finidi called up three home-based players to the squad, though only Sodiq Suraj of Remo Stars saw game time. Despite the limited opportunities, Finidi remains optimistic about the potential of NPFL players.
In an interview with Brila FM, the ex-Enyimba International coach highlighted the importance of gradually boosting players’ confidence. “The local players played. Sodiq came in against Benin Republic in the second half, which was his debut. It’s not bad; you have to bring them in gradually,” Finidi remarked.
Reflecting on his experience, he added, “During my time, I also had the opportunity to play for 30 minutes and I could do the magic. It is a gradual process, and if I had stayed longer, I would have introduced these players bit by bit to give them the confidence to play in the future.”
Finidi’s stint as the national team coach was short-lived, as he resigned after two World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and the Benin Republic. Since then, he has taken on the role of technical manager at Rivers United FC, where he continues to contribute to Nigerian football.
His call for patience and gradual integration underscores the potential within the NPFL and the importance of nurturing home-grown talent for the national team’s future success.
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