Official: Nigeria's new permanent manager confirmed

Bafana Bafana's next opponents Nigeria have confirmed who their new permanent manager is, a role Pitso Mosimane was linked with. 

The Board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed former player Finidi George to lead the Super Eagles after his appointment had been recommended by the body's technical and development committee. 

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The 53-year-old replaces Jose Peseiro, who led Nigeria to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations where they fell just short of getting their hands on the title, losing 2-1 to Ivory Coast.

Following the tournament, the Portuguese tactician then left his post after reportedly deciding against renewing his contract, with South Africa's Mosimane becoming one of a number of coaches who were then linked with the role.

George, meanwhile, spent 20 months as the former manager's assistant and played a role in the side's memorable AFCON campaign. 

He then took over as interim manager and led the Super Eagles during the March international break, beating Ghana by two goals to one, but suffering a 2-0 defeat to Mali in the following friendly.  

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The NFF outlined George's first few objectives as manager, which includes victory against Bafana Bafana in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier scheduled to take place in June. 

The side drew their first two qualifying ties against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in November last year. 

"George’s immediate task will be to guide the Super Eagles to victory in two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic in Uyo and Abidjan respectively, in a little over five weeks," the NFF said in a statement. 

"The matches are must-win encounters, with the Super Eagles lagging behind in third place in Group C of the African campaign behind Rwanda and South Africa."

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