Finidi George, a 53-year-old former winger for Nigeria, has been promoted from assistant coach to head coach, according to announcements made on Monday.

George took over as head coach after Jose Peseiro’s contract was not extended.

Peseiro led Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations final in the Ivory Coast, where they were defeated by the home nation.

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George took on the role of permanent coach after serving as an interim coach for two friendlies in March, winning 2-1 against Ghana and losing 2-0 to Mali.

His first objective will be to restart Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign following unexpected 1-1 draws with Zimbabwe in neutral Rwanda and tiny Lesotho at home.

Their next opponents are Benin in neutral Ivory Coast in early June, and South Africa in Uyo.

George was a member of Nigeria’s Golden Generation, who won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and participated in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups. George won the Champions League with Ajax Amsterdam in 1995.

He scored six goals in 62 appearances.