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Finidi George (born April 15, 1971 in Port Harcourt) is a former Nigerian footballer. He played at the Football World Cups in 1994 and 1998. Finidi made his international debut in an African Nations Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso in 1991. He provided three assists for Rashidi Yekini and scored one goal in a match the Nigerians won 7-1.

A midfielder, Finidi came to Europe in 1993 to play for Ajax. He also played in England and Spain.

Finidi started to make his name for Ajax, where he played in the same team as Jari Litmanen and other Ajax stars that won the Champions League in 1995.

He then spent four successful seasons with Real Betis in Spain before George Burley signed him for Ipswich Town, where he was an instant fans favourite. He scored 2 goals against Derby in a 3-1 win at Portman Road. However, he failed to make the desired impact, and many fans began to regard him as a flop, due to his large salary, which, combined other large-profile players at the club, was a considerable cause of the club's recent financial troubles. He then moved on to Real Mallorca in Spain.

Finidi's younger brother Iginaware who played for Rangers International football club of Enugu was tragically killed during crowd problems after a match with an opposing team (bitter rival) from Western Nigeria. He has another younger brother, Celestine, that plays for Bayelsa United.

George retired from playing the game professionally in August 2004.

[edit] Former clubs

• 1991/92 - Sharks F.C.
• 1992/93 - Calabar Rovers
• 1993/94 - Ajax (27/4)
• 1994/95 - Ajax (30/8)
• 1995/96 - Ajax (29/6)
• 1996/97 - Real Betis (36/10)
• 1997/98 - Real Betis (34/9)
• 1998/99 - Real Betis (36/11)
• 1999/00 - Real Betis (24/8)
• 2000/01 - RCD Mallorca (31/5)
• 2001/02 - Ipswich Town (25/6)
• 2002/03 - Ipswich Town (10/1)
• 2003/04 - Real Mallorca (14/0)

v • d • e Nigeria squad – 1994 FIFA World Cup 1 Rufai • 2 Eguavoen • 3 Iroha • 4 Keshi • 5 Okechukwu • 6 Nwanu • 7 George • 8 Oliha • 9 Yekini • 10 Okocha • 11 Amuneke • 12 Siasia • 13 Ezeugo • 14 Amokachi • 15 Oliseh • 16 Agu • 17 Ikpeba • 18 Ekoku • 19 Emenalo • 20 Okafor • 21 Adepoju • 22 Agbonavbare • Coach: Westerhof

v • d • e Nigeria squad – 1998 FIFA World Cup 1 Rufai • 2 Oparaku • 3 Babayaro • 4 Kanu • 5 Uche • 6 West • 7 Finidi • 8 Adepoju • 9 Yekini • 10 Okocha • 11 Lawal • 12 W. Okpara • 13 Babangida • 14 Amokachi • 15 Oliseh • 16 Okafor • 17 Eguavoen • 18 Oruma • 19 Iroha • 20 Ikpeba • 21 G. Okpara • 22 Baruwa • Coach: Milutinović