Former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick,
has explained why Finidi George was chosen as Super Eagles head coach ahead of his former national teammate, Emmanuel Amuneke.
Amunike was heavily seen as a favourite for the role considering his rich CV that showcased success in FIFA U17 World Cup with Golden Eaglets and qualification for AFCON with Tanzanian national team.
However, Pinnick believed the technical committee of NFF was right in choosing Finidi to continue with the Jose Peseiro project, which Finidi was part of as assistant head coach.
“Finidi is well equipped; he played for Ajax and they over there have developmental football mentoring in kicking the ball, trapping and all that. I think he is well positioned for the job.
“For Amuneke, he is also technically sound but I am talking of the seamless transition from Peseiro; it will benefit the team much for Finidi to have the job and thank God he is there,” Pinnick said on Arise TV.
Pinnick, who is now a FIFA Council member, also believed Finidi George was right in turning down the chance to work with some of his former teammates and to insist on foreign assistants.
“Finidi has the right to pick his assistants,” Pinnick said. “For his assistants, it is very tricky. It is normal for him to demand foreign assistants if he desires one.
“Backroom staffing is more scientific right now. If he says he needs three back room assistants, perhaps one for goalkeeper training, the others are for other positions.
“The assistant coaches are the engine room of the success of any coach because they see what the coach can’t see.
“But then, it depends on funding from the federation but I think it is not out of place. Finidi should be allowed to do what he wants to do. But if there is paucity of funds, they can discuss it with him.”
