George Finidi (born 15 April 1971), known as Finidi George,[1] is a Nigerian professional football coach and former player who was most recently the head coach of the Nigeria national football team. As a player, he played as a right winger.
After making a name for himself at Ajax in the Netherlands – being a leading figure in a team which won eight major titles, including the 1995 Champions League – he played several years in Spain with Real Betis,[2] also having a brief spell in England before retiring. Finidi was a member of the Nigeria team during the 1990s, appearing in two World Cups.
Born in Port Harcourt, Finidi played for three clubs in his country. In 1993, he arrived at AFC Ajax alongside compatriot Nwankwo Kanu. His impact with the Amsterdam side was immediate as he scored four goals in 27 games to help them win the Eredivisie title, which was also achieved in the following two seasons; additionally, as a starter, he appeared in consecutive UEFA Champions League finals, winning the 1994–95 edition against A.C. Milan.[3]
On 10 July 1996, Finidi moved to Spain and signed with Real Betis for 1,024 million pesetas or 6 million euros,[4] where he netted in three digits in nearly every season, with the Andalusiansfinishing fourth in his first year, which also brought a Copa del Reyfinal loss to FC Barcelona (2–3 after extra time), where he scored. [5] Real Betis has deemed the Nigerian as one of their most spectacular signings; he played an illustrious part in a magnificent team consisting of Alfonso, Robert Jarni, Alexis, Roberto Ríos, and Juan Merino.[6] While at the club, Finidi was consecrated with the nickname: "the playful shadow."[7] Prior to joining Real Betis, he was close to moving to Real Madrid, but the deal fell through.[8].
In November 2003, the 32-year-old Finidi underwent a trial at former club Mallorca,[13] following which he signed with the Balearic Islands team,[14] helping them finally finish in 11th position after constantly battling relegation. He retired from the game in the summer.
Finidi represented Nigeria in two FIFA World Cups, 1994 and 1998.[20] In the former, held in the United States, as the national team won their group and exited in the round of 16 against eventual finalists Italy, he scored against Greece in a 2–0 win, proceeding to mimick a urinating dog whilst celebrating.[21][22]
In the 1998 tournament in France, Finidi also played in all the matches, with Nigeria meeting the same fate at the hands of Denmark. He had already vowed to quit international football prior to the competition,[23] and earned a total of 62 caps.
In April 2024, he was appointed coach of the Nigerian national football team.[27][28]
Before this appointment, He was the assistant coach to Jose Peseiro and was the Interim coach who led the Super Eagles to beat Ghana 2-1 ending 18 years of unsuccessful attempts to defeat the Black Stars.[29]
Considered to be one of Nigeria's greatest wingers, Finidi was a physically strong and tall player who was known for his deceptively rapid pace, accurate crosses and efficient dribbles. He was also known for his accurate free kicks. Finidi was not only known for his technical abilities, but he also possessed a unique footballing brain and solid dribbling skills.[30]
The name Finidi translates into English as "a future full of sun". Two of his 11 brothers, Igeniwari and Celestine, were also footballers, and the former was killed during crowd problems in a match.[1]
