Dutch giants Ajax celebrate Super Eagles great George Finidi’s 52nd birthday in style

Ajax Amsterdam have celebrated George Finidi‘s 52nd birthday in style as they remembered the iconic moments he gave to the club.

Born on April 15th, 1971, the former Nigerian international played a pivotal role in Ajax’s success in the early 1990s, and his contribution was honoured by the club as he turned a year older on Saturday.

Finidi George, who won the Champions League, the World Club Cup, and three national championships with Ajax Amsterdam, was serenaded with a special tribute video by the club. The video showcased some of his best moments, highlighting the great goals he scored for the team.

Happy birthday, Finidi! 🇳🇬

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) April 15, 2023

The Eredivisie champions also shared the video tribute on their social media platforms, highlighting ten of Finidi’s best goals for the club. Fans of the team and admirers of the Nigerian international were quick to share their appreciation for the player’s contribution to the club.

George Finidi’s Career at a Glance

One of Nigeria’s most successful footballers in history, George Finidi played as a right winger during his active days and is known for his impact during his stint at Ajax in the Netherlands.

He was a key player in a team that won eight major titles, including the 1995 UEFA Champions League. Before moving to Ajax, he played for Calabar Rovers, Iwuanyanwu Nationale, and Sharks in his home country, Nigeria.

In 1993, Finidi signed with Ajax alongside his compatriot, Nwankwo Kanu, and made an immediate impact, helping the team win the Eredivisie title in his first season.

He also featured as a starter in consecutive UEFA Champions League finals, winning the 1994-95 edition against A.C. Milan.

Finidi left Ajax in 1996 for Real Betis in Spain, where he played for several years before moving to RCD Mallorca and later Ipswich Town in England, where he retired from active football.

In addition to his club career, Finidi was an important member of the Nigeria national team during the 1990s, appearing in two World Cups. He played 62 games for Nigeria, scoring six goals in the process.

The current Enyimba international coach won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles and claimed a runners-up medal in 2000.