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My immediate task is to qualify Nigeria for 2026 World Cup – Finidi
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My immediate task is to qualify Nigeria for 2026 World Cup – Finidi
By Francesca Hangeior
Finidi George, Head coach of the Super Eagles, says his immediate task and priority is to qualify the nation for the 2026 World Cup slated for Canada, Mexico and U.S.
The Board of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on April 19, appointed George as Head Coach of the Super Eagles.
George stated this at his unveiling as the new head coach of the Super Eagles by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), at the Moshood Abiola National stadium on Monday in Abuja.
The former Ajax Amsterdam winger, who was assistant to former Super Eagles gaffer Jose Peseiro was jointly unveiled by the NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau and Sports Minister, Sen. John Owan Enoh.
“For me, my first target is to make sure we are in line to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the AFCON qualifiers will also be coming up soon.
“But the major target for me is the two games we have, we will do everything to win against South Africa and Benin Republic.
“Once we do that we will have set the tone and we will take it from there,” he said.
The coach warned that going forward; players will be invited to the Super Eagles based on regular playing time in their clubs and commitment to the national team.
He dismisses insinuations about having rift with some players in the Super Eagles, stressing that the relationship with the players was ‘perfect’ and professional.
“My relationship with the players is very perfect. I will try to improve on my relationship as this will be different. You will not hear any controversy on my relationship,” he said.
Earlier, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau said the coach will be given all the support he needs to succeed in the task ahead.
“We have given our coach the opportunity to choose his assistants. We won’t impose anybody on him.
“We are going to engage the assistants on game basis but will pay the head coach monthly salary. We want to avoid salary issues,” he said .
The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh stressed the importance of having and supporting indigenous coaches to succeed.
“We have an opportunity to have a local coach to lead the Super Eagles. Back then in my University days, I would go to UJ Eseune stadium to watch Calabar Rovers and see Finidi George play.
“I am honoured to be here to witness his unveiling, if you love Nigerian football, you must love and support Finidi George. His success will bring joy to Nigerians.
“Any country I find an indigenous coach sitting on the bench, I always feel very proud and I am glad that we have an opportunity that have a Nigerian coach, Finidi George, as football men national team coach, ” he said.
Although details of the contract was not revealed, the coach has picked three foreigners and ex-international, Daniel Amokachi as assistant coaches, while retaining Olatunji Baruwa as goalkeeper trainer.
The immediate task of the coach is to get the Super Eagles back on track in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers where Nigeria currently sit third in Group C, with two points from two matches.
Nigeria drew with Lesotho and Zimbabwe in the first two matches in the qualifying series in November.
The Super Eagles will face South Africa and Benin Republic in June, in what has been described as a make or mar clashes.
News
Wike fires Amaechi: You failed as Speaker, Governor and Minister For 24 Years(Photos)
… Reaffirms loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, vows to continue building sustainable leadership
Former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, has challenged the people of Evo Kingdom to point to any tangible development or political empowerment attracted to their land by his predecessor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, despite holding top political offices as Speaker, Governor, and Minister for 24 years.

Speaking during an interactive session with leaders and stakeholders of Evo Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Wike declared that unlike past leaders who used their elevation to pull down others and monopolize power, his political philosophy centers on human capacity development, divine gratitude, and uplifting his people.
Wike questioned the moral right of those who spent decades in high offices without leaving behind a legacy of leadership or infrastructure in the area, warning against selfish politics that crumbles once the leader passes on.
”Because how will I answer before God if these people could take that kind of risk, and opportunity came up for you to help, for you to uplift them? But because of your greed, because of your selfishness, you don’t want anybody to reach the level you are,” Wike said.

He said; “You don’t want anybody in Obio-Akpor to be governor again because you have become governor. God will not be happy with me”.
Taking direct aim at Amaechi’s 24-year tenure across various arms of government, Wike challenged the kingdom to present evidence of what was attracted to the land under his rival’s reign.
”Someone was Speaker of the House of Assembly for eight years, Governor for eight years, and Minister for eight years—that is 24 years in top leadership positions! What can anybody point to that he attracted to Evo Kingdom or Rivers State in all those 24 years? Nothing! Not one single thing!
”I was a Minister of State for Education, and as I sit here, I can count the projects I brought to Rivers State and my people. But somebody was Speaker, Governor, and headed a very lucrative ministry as a full Minister for eight years, yet brought nothing back home! How can someone who spent 24 years in power without empowering his people or raising new leaders now turn around to tell you he loves you?” Wike queried.

Highlighting his political trajectory and contentment with his achievements under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the FCT Minister stressed that he has no further personal political ambitions other than serving as a vessel for his people.
”After all, what do I want that God has not given to me? Nothing! Nothing! Nothing! The only thing I ask from God today is to continue to give me long life,” he said.
“I can’t be a governor again. I’ve been a minister two times. I cannot be chairman of council again. So I am happy. I don’t have anything to lose”.
He continued: “What leadership, as you are leaving, what’s the leadership you have kept behind to continue with where you have stopped? Because our problem here is that you just want only yourself. When you die, everything crumbles. That is not our own case.”
Addressing political uncertainties and betrayal, the Minister reiterated his firm trust in God rather than human promises.
”As a politician, I know that the only person who will not disappoint is God,” Wike declared.
“So, don’t ever believe that a human being will not disappoint you. No matter the love you have, do the best you can do. If the person disappoints you, don’t kill yourself. God will right the wrong”, he said.
Wike also recounted how his administration restructured the chieftaincy institution to give Evo Kingdom adequate representation in the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, dismissing claims that traditional politics or native charms could intimidate him.
Political leaders and traditional rulers like Eze Temple Ejekwu
and Elder Peter Chinwo, President of Evo Assembly assured the FCT Minister of victory for the President and other candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition.
News
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Hungary, Abass Ogwime, Selected to Commission Hungarian-African House in Budapest
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Hungary, Abass Braimah Ogwime, has been selected among African ambassadors accredited to Hungary to officially commission the newly established Hungarian-African House in Budapest.
Ogwime, who also serves as Nigeria’s ambassador to Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia, was the guest speaker at the inauguration ceremony held in Budapest on October 2, 2026.
The event attracted members of the diplomatic community, Hungarian government representatives, African heads of mission, business executives, investors, members of the African diaspora and other stakeholders seeking to strengthen economic, cultural and diplomatic relations between Hungary and African countries.
The Hungarian-African House, known locally as Magyar-Afrika Ház, is an initiative of the Foundation for Africa. The facility is designed to serve as a permanent platform for dialogue, business development, cultural exchange and cooperation between Hungary and African nations.
The initiative is expected to provide a meeting point for Hungarian and African businesses, investors, academic institutions and government representatives to explore investment opportunities, establish strategic partnerships and develop practical areas of collaboration.
Ogwime’s selection as one of the African ambassadors chosen for the commissioning underscores Nigeria’s participation in diplomatic engagements aimed at expanding cooperation between African countries and Hungary.
The Nigerian Embassy in Budapest reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties, promoting economic partnerships and supporting initiatives that encourage collaboration between Nigerian, African and Hungarian institutions and communities.
The establishment of the Hungarian-African House comes amid broader efforts to deepen Africa-Europe engagement through trade, investment, cultural diplomacy and institutional partnerships.
The new facility is expected to provide a dedicated space for advancing these objectives and fostering long-term relationships between Hungary and African countries.
News
‘Tinubu Must Go’: Yobe Youths Protest Economic Hardship, Insecurity
Hundreds of youths on Thursday staged a peaceful protest in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State, demanding an end to President Bola Tinubu’s administration over worsening economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment.
The demonstration, tagged “Tinubu Must Go”, coincided with Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1.
The protesters marched through the Tsohowar Kasuwa area of Potiskum, carrying placards and flags of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while expressing dissatisfaction with the state of the country.
They said President Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast failed to address their concerns, particularly the rising cost of living, poverty, unemployment, insecurity and what they described as poor governance since the administration assumed office in 2023.
Speaking to journalists on condition of anonymity, one of the protesters said the demonstration was an exercise of their fundamental rights and a call for urgent action to address the country’s challenges.
“We came out today to express our fundamental rights, freedom of speech. We are suffering from this government, people are dying due to insecurity, poverty and unemployment in the land,” the protester said.
Another demonstrator, who identified with the opposition, expressed concern over the country’s economic situation and the state of the education sector.
He said the youths were dissatisfied with the government’s handling of issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.
Similarly, a protester identified as Malam Gambo said the demonstration was organised to draw attention to hunger, insecurity and what the participants described as bad governance.
Eyewitnesses reported that the protest remained peaceful and orderly, with young men and women making up the bulk of the demonstrators.
Some participants were seen carrying ADC flags as they marched through parts of Potiskum to express their grievances against the Tinubu administration.
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