Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Executive Governor of Abia State, says he feels proud that a football icon and former Nigeria international, Finidi George, is now the coach of the State’s darling NPFL side, Enyimba International FC, Completesports.com reports.
Ikpeazu spoke at the Government House, Umuahia, on Thursday when the former Super Eagles winger and UEFA Champions League winner with Ajax Ámsterdam, was presented to him after his engagement as the new head coach of Enyimba International FC.
Governor Ikpeazu lauded Enyimba Football Club for appointing Finidi George as the club’s head coach.
Governor Ikpeazu expressed his pleasure over the latest development as he received Finidi George at his residence on Thursday afternoon.
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While welcoming ‘Finito’, Ikpeazu said he was excited by the news of Finidi’s appointment, and thanked the 1995 UEFA Champions League winner for accepting to return home to develop the game.
“I must say that I’m very proud of Enyimba for making the bold move of appointing Finidi. I was very excited when I heard about it and I know this is a sign of good things”, Ikpeazu voiced out hilariously.
“I also want to thank you, (Finidi), for accepting to come back home to contribute to the growth of the game.
“With all you were able to achieve as a player, I know that you have a lot to pass down to this generation.
“On behalf of the people of Abia State, I say welcome. Abia State is the home of football in Nigeria and Enyimba is more than a club; it is a religion for our people.”
Governor Ikpeazu added: “Having an iconic coach for such a big team is a very good match and I know we will make an impact in Africa under you.”
Ikpeazu would further go on to reveal that he was an admirer of the playing career of Finidi, and has no doubt whatsoever, that he will achieve the same level of success in his coaching career.
“As far as football is concerned, you, (Finidi), are a brand. You may not know, it but I was your greatest fan during your playing days,” Ikpeazu remarked.
“I was always in love with your crosses and your speed on the wings. You were one of my favourite players in that set of Super Eagles team.”
Governor Ikpeazu also assured the coach of the state’s support and charged him to transmit the discipline and professionalism that characterised his playing career to the team.
Finidi George, in his response, praised the governor for receiving him and for showing such keen interest in the development of sports in the state.
“Your excellency, I am very grateful for how you have received me with open arms. I am happy to be here in Abia State and feel proud to have been considered by Enyimba,” Finidi said.
“You are a sports-loving governor and the only way we can make you happy is by working hard and winning.
“Today, I have come to see you empty-handed, but I am hoping that when we come back here, we will come holding a trophy,” Finidi promised.
4 Comments
Welcome back Finidi. You showed a true great son of Nigeria by coming back to develop
the game you were known for. I say thank you.
Finidi has set the ball rolling, let us see if others have the courage and confidence to come complete with him or if they will continue to sit on the sidelines, criticizing national team coaches and waiting to be given a national team job like it’s an entitlement that has to be given to them as ex-internationals instead of developing/improving their careers by taking up the league teams coaching responsibilities to help it grow and themselves likewise.
Finidi has always been the first.
He is the first Nigerian to move from Nigerian league straight to an European big club (Ajax Amsterdam) fit right into the team from the first day and was one of the players the team heavily depended on that the country’s media always wished he was Dutch. He was do instrumental to Ajax and Van Gaal’s success to the point that Van Gaal was always criticized when as the Dutch national team coach the team did not do as well as Ajax did, as a result the media and the entire country blamed Van Gaal for adopting the same system, tactics and approach he used as Ajax coach and accused him of forgetting that Finidi is Nigerian, not Dutch. According to them Finidi has to be part of the team for that system to work but unfortunately Finidi is Nigerian and could not bell Van Gaal and Holland out. That’s how important and talked about Finidi was and still is in the Netherlands.
He is the first and only Nigerian to be recognized as the best winger and the best crosser of the ball in the world.
He, together with Kanu were the first Nigerians to win the EUFA Champions League, world club cup and EUFA Super Cup.
Now he is the first to come back home to help develop the league by transferring knowledge to the young ones.
Good job Finidi “The Grate” George..
He is not the first Amuneke tried but the environment was not enabling, and is still not enabling, so he went to Egypt and other african countries, also Daniel Amokachi was bought from Ranchers Bees to Belguim, and the likes of victor Ikepba, so am glad he came to Nigeria, but he wasn’t the first.
His not the first to coach in Nigeria league but some of them are scared of Nigeria club politics and no good payment. This is how Yobo suppose to start before becoming super eagles assistant. Former Chelsea player and coach Patrick Vaili, is Italian assistant.