Finidi’s resignation: “It will not be good if Nigeria fails to qualify for the 2026 World Cup” -– Ologbese

Dele Ologbese, former Vice Chairman of the Ondo State Football Association, has welcomed the resignation of Super Eagles’ Head Coach Finidi George, describing it as a positive development that could lead to the appointment of a more seasoned tactician.

In a telephone interview with a Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure on Saturday, Ologbese expressed his views on the recent resignation. Finidi George faced significant criticism following disappointing results in World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic.

Under Finidi’s leadership, the Super Eagles managed a 1-1 draw against South Africa and suffered a 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic, leaving them with three points and positioned at the bottom of their group.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has announced plans to appoint a foreign Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles before the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September.

Ologbese criticized the NFF’s handling of the team’s World Cup qualification campaign under Finidi, suggesting that the leadership seemed uncertain about securing Nigeria’s spot in the tournament.

“His resignation creates an opportunity to appoint a more capable tactician who can lead the Super Eagles to the next World Cup,” Ologbese remarked. “It’s crucial for Nigeria, a prominent soccer nation in Africa, not to miss out on consecutive World Cup appearances.”

He emphasized the importance of selecting a coach respected by the team to navigate the remaining six matches in Group C successfully.

“With the coach stepping down, the responsibility now lies with the football federation and sports ministry to take appropriate action,” he concluded. “The failure to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup must not repeat itself, and we need a versatile, experienced coach familiar with Nigeria’s football landscape to take charge of the Super Eagles