Ex-internationals have advised the newly appointed Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George, to be professional and firm in his judgment as he assumes his new coaching role.

The players gave the advice in an interview on Tuesday in Lagos.

The NFF on Monday announced the appointment of George as the Super Eagles head coach.

A member of Nigeria’s squad which won the 1985 FIFA U-16 World Championship in China, Baldwin Bazuaye, urged George to ensure professionalism in his conduct.

He said, “It is a good thing that the NFF has deemed it fit to appoint a former player in person of George as the coach of the team. We should give kudos to the NFF for this opportunity and getting them involved in the affairs of the national teams. My advice to George is that he must be professional in his dealings with the players. I believe he can do it and will succeed.

“The job of the Super Eagles is a serious one and George must be diligent in handling the affairs of the team. He must make his selection based on merit and shun nepotism.”

The 1990 African Nations Cup silver medalist urged the NFF to give George a free hand to work and learn from his own mistakes.

“George must be fair to all and also be ready to listen to other people’s advice,” he said.

On his part, Edema Fuludu hailed the choice of George by the NFF to handle the Super Eagles.

“Fortunately, I have always advocated for a home-based coach for our national team. For me, it is not Eldorado yet, because we want results. I have also advocated that NFF should give any local coach appointed a formal contract and let him have authority as the manager of the team. George should be allowed to make his decisions without interference, although the technical committee of the NFF also wants the best for the team,” he said.

Mr Fuludu advised George to run an open door policy in managing the affairs of the team.

“I advise him to shun anything that will be detrimental to his progress. If he is not allowed to work as he ought to, he should speak. George must also be proactive and bring those he can work with into the team and in terms of selection; he must ensure an all-embracing team,’’ he said.

He urged George to also give the home-based players the opportunity to showcase their talents.

(NAN)