Nigeria has appointed Finidi George as their new head coach, following the departure of Jose Peseiro, as confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday.

Peseiro, who guided Nigeria to the final of this year's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), left after his contract expired in February, concluding a tenure of 22 months.

George, a former member of Peseiro's coaching staff, took interim charge of Nigeria's friendlies against Ghana and Mali in March. Moreover, he has been serving as the head coach of Nigerian top-flight side Enyimba since September 2021.

As a player, George achieved success with Ajax, clinching the Eredivisie title and the Champions League. He also played a pivotal role in Nigeria's 1994 AFCON triumph.

George's main objectives will include guiding Nigeria to qualification for the next edition of the AFCON, set to take place in Morocco in 2025, as well as the 2026 World Cup.

His tenure will commence with Nigeria's World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin in June.

JNA/NOQ