The former Ajax star was a crucial member of Nigeria’s golden generation in the nineties, and he rates that famous side above the current team.
While many former footballers are not comfortable comparing teams from different eras, ex-Ipswich Town star George Finidi is confident that Nigeria’s team in the mid-nineties is far better than the present team being managed by Gernot Rohr.
Dutchman Clemens Westerhof put together a fearsome Nigeria team that had the prolific Rashidi Yekini in the attack, Austin Okocha, and Finidi in midfield while the giant-sized Uche Okechukwu was at the heart of the defence.
That group defeated all comers to claim a second AFCON trophy before stunning the planet by progressing to the second round of the 1994 FIFA World Cup at their debut appearance.
By contrast, German tactician Rohr has been in charge of the Super Eagles since 2016, and he has been able to create one of the youngest ever sides for the three-time continental champions.
But if it were possible to place the two teams on a football pitch, Finidi sees no other winner than the group he was a part of more than two decades ago.
“As you all know, the Super Eagles of 1994 to 1998 is far better than the current one,” said Finidi in quotes carried by the New Telegraph.
“I don’t know what the scoreline will be, but I am sure the 94 to 98 squad will defeat the present team, I can bet on that.
“The philosophy of the 1994 Super Eagles was about working together, trusting one another, team building, it all shows from the 1994 AFCON.
“It’s all about staying together, playing as one, believing in one another, I think that really helped us as a team.”
