Ex-Dortmund star stunned by Finidi George’s iconic goal as FIFA, Ajax, Betis honour Super Eagles legend

Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has paid tribute to Finidi George’s iconic World Cup strike, as FIFA and top European clubs honoured the Nigerian football great on his 54th birthday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Finidi, a key figure in Nigeria’s golden generation, was celebrated by FIFA with a nostalgic video of his famous goal against Greece at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States — a moment that remains one of the standout memories of the tournament for Nigerian fans.

FIFA shared the footage across its official social media platforms, showing Finidi’s elegant finish and composed celebration — where he famously imitated a urinating dog at the corner flag. ... quickly gained traction, drawing praise from fans and former teammates alike.

What Oliseh wrote about Finidi George’s goal

Reacting to ..., ex-Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sunday Oliseh, Finidi’s former international teammate and fellow USA ’94 squad member, wrote on X:

“Look at that finish by ‘Finito’. Ol Boy, we really had a team full of top world-class players. I enjoyed every minute being a part of this. I can see Amunike, Finidi, Chidi Nwanu, Baba Yekini and my humble self ecstatic as the world watched!”

look at that finish by “Finito” . Ol Boy, We really had a team full of Top world class players. I enjoyed every minute being a part of this. i can see Amunike,Finidi, Chidi Nwanu, Baba Yekini and my humble self ecstatic as the world watched! https://t.co/uTCuX8ctKS

— Sunday Oliseh (@SundayOOliseh) April 15, 2025

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

Finidi’s international career spanned over a decade, earning 62 caps and scoring six goals for Nigeria.

The winger played in two World Cups (1994 and 1998), lifted the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations title, and featured in multiple AFCON tournaments.

At the time,all Finidi listened to was snoop Doggy Dogg. Need i say more?

— Sunday Oliseh (@SundayOOliseh) April 15, 2025

His birthday also attracted tributes from former clubs Ajax and Real Betis.

Ajax posted: “Happy birthday, Finidi George!” while Betis added: “Happy birthday, Finidi.”

Finidi began his career in Nigeria with Calabar Rovers, Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland), and Sharks, before a breakthrough move to Ajax in 1993. At the Dutch giants, he won the UEFA Champions League in 1995, three Eredivisie titles, and the Intercontinental Cup.

He later joined Real Betis in 1996, scoring in the Copa del Rey final and helping them finish fourth in La Liga. He also had stints with Mallorca and Ipswich Town in the Premier League, where he famously scored twice in a win over Derby County.

Now in management, Finidi led Enyimba to the Nigeria Premier League title in 2023. He briefly managed the Super Eagles before taking over at Rivers United, where he currently leads a title charge in the NPFL.