Is Finidi George the answer?

The biggest task ahead of the new Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, is taking Nigeria to the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for June 11 to July 19, 2026.

16 cities from three North American countries—Canada, Mexico, and the United States—will jointly host it.

The United States of America has been a happy hunting ground for Nigerian sports and football teams.

The Super Eagles’ first appearance in the World Cup was in 1994 in the USA.

Clemens Westerhof’s team, regarded as the greatest assembly of the Super Eagles, successfully navigated the challenges of Cote d’Ivoire and Algeria to qualify for the global football showpiece.

The Nigerian Super Eagles made their grand entry into America as Africa’s champions, winning the coveted African Cup of Nations in Tunisia in February 1994.

Nigeria defeated Bulgaria 3–0, lost to Argentina 1–2, and reached the second round after a 2–0 victory over Greece. In the second round, Nigeria played Italy and took the lead with a goal from Emmanuel Amunike in 25 minutes.

Nigeria were within two minutes of qualifying for the quarterfinals, but Roberto Baggio scored to take the game to extra time. He also scored the eventual winning goal. The game ended 2–1 in favour of the Italians.

Nigeria’s first gold at the Olympics since debuting at the 1964 Tokyo Games was in 1996 Atlanta, USA (the Centennial Olympic Games), where Team Nigeria won six medals (2 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze).

The most surprising feat at the games was Nigeria’s gold in football. The team overcame what are usually considered much stronger teams, such as Brazil and finally Argentina, to earn the gold.

Not just the male team has been excelling in the US; the Super Falcons finished highest at the Women’s World Cup.
was at the third edition in 1999 in the US.

The Super Falcons exit the tournament in the quarterfinals.

Football stakeholders and fans are optimistic that George can emulate Morocco’s feat at Qatar 2022 and take the Nigerian national team beyond the second round of the World Cup.

Note that the Moroccan World Cup masterclass took flight from the Mohammed VI Football Academy, the home of Moroccan football.

In its 12 years of existence, the Mohammed VI Football Academy has succeeded in preparing junior footballers that caught the attention of the biggest clubs in Europe and raised the Moroccan flag higher in international competitions.

In an article titled “Morocco: the Mohammed VI Academy is Causing Europe to Panic!”, Foot Mercato lauded the Moroccan academy’s impressive efforts in training graduates with a track record of performing at the most competitive level of elite football.

Morocco’s success at the World Cup didn’t come overnight or through a coach; it was an intentional effort from football stakeholders to have a football blueprint and structure that provide intensive football training from a tender age to the elite level.

For Finidi George, there is a lack of structure or blueprint; expecting great results will be a tall order.

Structure and blueprint are inseparable catalysts that propel the national team to football glory.

The eight teams – Argentina, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Brazil, England, and Uruguay – to have won the World Cup since its inception in 1930 all have a good working football league and policy.

Reaching the pinnacle of a football greatest tournament or even the semi-final requires more than a coach.

Nigerian football fans vowed never to watch the Super Eagles again after Ghana snatched the Qatar 2022 World Cup ticket at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.

Die-hard football fans were dumbstruck after the game, and Nigerians shattered emotionally in disbelief that their darling team wouldn’t be at the Mundial.

The Super Eagles as a whole need to rise again; AFCON heartbreak, missed World Cup, failed Olympic campaigns, and the gradual decline of the cadet team are not champions hallmarks.

Nigeria is a nation with football in its veins; the talent is littered all over the country, waiting to be refined.

With a renewed focus on team success, a strategic approach to player development, and a commitment to competing at the highest level, the Super Eagles can reclaim their rightful place in the global footballing space.

The time for redemption is now; the time for the world to witness the brilliance of African football through the Super Eagles is today, not tomorrow. The national team is responsible for their fans, history, and future stars