Former Ajax midfielder Finidi George led the Super Eagles of Nigeria to a resounding victory against the Black Stars of Ghana at the Stade Marrakech Stadium, Soccernet.ng reports.
With two goals from Cyriel Dessers and Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles legend secured his maiden win as interim head coach of the national team.
In a long-standing rivalry with Ghana, Finidi’s successful debut showcased his tactical prowess, even in the absence of key players like Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi.
However, this victory points up Finidi’s potential to make an impact as the head coach of the Nigerian national team.
Significant changes were made to the Super Eagles lineup since their loss in the AFCON final last month.
Only four starters from that match retained their spots: goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defender Semi Ajayi from West Brom, midfielder Frank Onyeka from Brentford, and Fulham’s Alex Iwobi.
The absence of key players like Osimhen, William Troost-Ekong, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ola Aina forced Coach Finidi to shuffle the squad.
Notably, Wilfred Ndidi returned from injury to lead the midfield, while Leicester’s Kelechi Iheanacho and Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers were chosen to spearhead the attack.
A standout inclusion was Benjamin Tanimu, a 21-year-old center-back from Tanzania’s Ihefu Sports Club, who replaced Fulham’s Calvin Bassey in defense.
With Jose Peseiro’s departure, the position of head coach of the Super Eagles remains vacant, offering Finidi an opportunity to showcase his capabilities.
Having served under Peseiro for 22 months, Finidi’s experience and insights were evident in his strategic decisions against Ghana.
Reports suggest that Finidi is among the candidates shortlisted for the permanent head coach role.
The clash with Ghana and Mali serves as an audition for him to prove his candidacy. His utilization of players like Awaziem and the allocation of more minutes to Iheanacho highlight his potential impact on the team’s formation and performance.
With Nigeria set to face Mali in their next match, Finidi’s impressive debut suggests that his first impression should indeed leave a lasting mark in the selection of a new coach for the Super Eagles.
N:B With this performance against Ghana, do you think Finidi George should continue as the head coach of the Super Eagles? Leave your comments below.
This post was last modified on March 22, 2024 11:43 pm
Nigeria-eligible winger Oladapo Afolayan registered two goals and one assist for St. Pauli in their… Read More
Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest full-back, Olaoluwa Temitayo Aina, has reflected on Nigeria's loss to… Read More
Leicester City manager, Enzo Maresca, has revealed that he is unfazed by the prospect of… Read More
Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Michael Awoniyi, has predicted his club's future amidst… Read More
Leicester City is reportedly joining the race to sign English-born Nigerian attacker, Elijah Adebayo, as… Read More
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has expressed his preference for some Nigerian dishes, stating that his… Read More