Eight-time Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Enyimba have confirmed former Super Eagles international Finidi George as their new head coach on a two-year contract.

The former Ajax and Real Betis winger, replaces Fatai Osho who led the Aba Elephants to a third place finish last season but departs following the expiration of his contract.

The appointment marks George’s first foray into club management having previously worked with youth sides and academy players in Europe.

“I have to say it’s a great opportunity for the club to have this confidence in me. I want to thank the chairman, the members of the board, and the supporters for even thinking about me,” George told the club’s website.

“On my own part, I will be here to just work and do the job. It’s never going to be easy but I’m here to work and make the team win.”

Enyimba chairman Felix Anyansi Agwu said: “I believe that the time has come for us as a club to open up a new chapter, a chapter that will showcase the many hardwork that has been going on behind the scene and usher in lots of success.

“For us to have engaged a coach like Finidi George who is coming from Europe is a clear statement of intent about our aspirations.”

A legend for Nigeria’s national team, George, made 62 appearances for the Super Eagles in an illustrious career that lasted up to fifteen years.

He was a key member of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winning team and represented Nigeria at two FIFA World Cups in 1994 and 1998, scoring in the former.

George also enjoyed a successful career at club level the highlight of which was winning the UEFA Champions League with Ajax in 1995. He also played for Real Betis, RCD Mallorca in Spain and Ipswich Town in England.

His first official game as Enyimba head coach will be the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round fixture against Senegalese side Diambers FC in mid-October.