Finidi George: An unsung hero

Many Nigerian football faithfuls will always remember the golden generation of the 1994 Super Eagles team because of the immense joy they gave Nigerians in their prime. The  team had talented players who were ready to give their all for their fatherland, some which included the late Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini of blessed memory, Uche Okechukwu “the giant”, Samson Siasia, Ben Iroha, Emmanuel Amuneke, Daniel Amokachi” the bull”  amongst others. But one player stands out, with the name Finidi George.

Born in the oil rich city of Port-Harcourt in 1971, Finidi played for three local clubs in Nigeria, namely, Calabar rovers, the defunct Iwuanyanwu nationale and sharks of Port-Harcourt. He then made his switch to the Netherlands to join Eredivisie giants, Ajax Amsterdam. His impact was immediate as he scored four goals in twenty-seven games to help Ajax win the Eredivisie title in 1993, a feat which he also achieved the following two years in the club.

Finidi also played in consecutive UEFA Champions League finals, winning the 1994/1995 edition against Italian heavyweight AC Milan. He achieved this feat alongside compatriot and Nigerian legend,  Nwankwo Kanu. It is however sad that no one remembers that he was part of this success, as everyone gives all the accolades and recognition Kanu.

In 1996, Finidi  moved to Spain to join Real Betis. In his first year, he helped the club to win the Copa Del Rey final and till date, he holds the record of being the only Nigerian to have reached a final with the Spanish club even though his team lost 3-2 after extra time FC Barcelona. Finidi excelled during his time at Betis scoring a total of 38 goals for the club. It should also be noted that Finidi almost joined European giant, Real Madrid but the deal fell through.

After Betis’ relegation in 2000, he joined RCD Mallorca,  another Spanish outfit but fell below expectations. He also played for other local teams abroad before deciding to call it quit in his club career.

On the international scene, Finidi made his first appearance for Nigeria in 1991, in an Africa Cup of Nation qualifiers against  Burkina Faso. He was part of the squad that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia. He later went on to achieve a second and a third place finish in the competition, in 2000 and 2002. Finidi represented Nigeria  in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup, where Nigeria got to the round of sixteen on both occasions. It is sad that no one remembers that it was Finidi George that provided the assist for Rashidi Yekini to score the first World Cup goal for Nigeria. Everyone instead praises Yekini for the goal.

He also scored in the match against Greece and celebrated his goal by mimicking a urinating dog.

Finidi retired from international football haven amassed sixty-two caps for his country prior to the 2002 World Cup.

Many ex-internationals and coaches have spoken about Finidi George, regarding his personality as a player and as an individual.  His manager during his days at Ajax, Louis Van Gaal described Finidi as the best right winger in his prime and also said he was arguably the best right winger in the 90’s. Arguably though, Finidi’s deliveries from the wide areas came to be considered as much a calling card as any of the above, to this day, the former Ajax winger is revered as the gold standard for Nigerian wide men.

Former Nigerian midfielder, Friday Ekpo described Finidi as a speedster, stating that he could dash past defenders and create chances with ease because of his blistering pace. Rashidi Yekini enjoyed this particular attribute of his to the fullest.

Another ex-international Tijani Babangida, confessed that even in his prime  as a player and winger, only Finidi could keep him on the bench in the national team, because he was a hardworking player who cannot be overlooked. On his personality, Babangida said Finidi was very humble and had no time for altercations with his coaches and team mates because he had respect for everyone.

Be that as it may, Finidi George is one hero who needs to get the recognition he deserves. Many stadiums have been named after ex-internationals but no one sees a reason to name one after Finidi. It is important that the sports authorities in Nigeria see reasons to celebrate one of Nigeria’s living legend.