Did Finidi finally discover it at the right time?

IKENWA NNABUOGOR

Former Super Eagles’ coach Finidi George got no Thomas left doubting in proving he wasn’t the Eagles’ trouble with his top-of-the-drawer performances thus far at NPFL side, Rivers United.

Finidi isn’t “finishing” it after all as detractors, armchair critics viciously attacked as the Eagles’ gaffer, a tenure earning an enviable place in the country’s football history books as the shortest. He only lasted four months before he headed south.

The former Ajax Amsterdam superstar had just four games under his belt to wrap his embattled head around as controversies especially the infamous social media rants hauled at him by Galatasaray striker Victor Osihmen, brought his Eagles’ job to an abrupt, unplanned end.

Public opinions were divided, unprecedented as many voices have yet to find Osihmen’s erratic behaviour deserving of the NFF sanctions or personal apologies to the celebrated superstar. Finidi “finished” his tenure, mutually terminated his contract and headed back home where it all began.

Rivers United, a sweet merger of Finidi’s developmental club Sharks and FC Dolphins, opened its arms wide open for their illustrious son who heaped a full load of hopes on the coach whose success at arch rivals, Enyimba, earned him the Super Eagles’ job.

Like the Phoenix, rising from it’s ashes, Finidi is fast proving he’s indeed a dug out hero as his results thus far in the local scene have forced critics singing new songs.

Rivers United remain the only NPFL side not to lose a game, winning six and sharing spoils twice in the eight-week old season with Finidi waving the magic wand.

Is this not the same figure that was dismissed as a no gooder and waiting to be seen how he was going to ride the high tides of the southern Atlantic?

For many who blamed NFF for handing him the undeserving Eagles’ job ahead of the much preferred Emmanuel Amuneke, his record in the NPFL may force them taking back their words and showering praises on him instead.

What was it that Finidi failed to achieve at national team side that he’s doing with relative ease at local side?

Could there have been forces he fought that made sure he failed at Eagles’ level?

It isn’t coaching deficiency after all, running the rule and achieving results with players whose qualities are nowhere near the Super Eagles’ should be highly commended.

Were the players not willing to play for him to make him look ordinary and fail?

Could it have stemmed from the ill feelings that Amuneke was overlooked and it clearly showed they preferred Amuneke?

Ironically, Amuneke is having it so nightmarish at Heartland where he only just managed a win and languishing at the foot of the log.

Many may argue the league is still young and open and Finidi will fully convince them by winning the league title but Rivers United are clearly not looking like losing their guard anytime soon.

The Port Harcourt side finished a disappointing eighth place last season, failed the defend the title, fired Stanley Eguma to make way for the former Ipswich Town winger whose winning ways could land them the title.

Finidi isn’t “finished” after all, rather he’s a finished product leading a title charge and proving a point.