“There really is nothing friendly”- Super Eagles interim boss Finidi George talks tough ahead of Ghana encounter

Super Eagles interim coach Finidi George has stated that team is targeting a win in their friendly game against Ghana on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria play their first game since the 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in February. They take on close rivals Ghana in a tie that promises to be an enthralling one because of the talents that both sides parade.

Meanwhile, despite their contrasting fates at the 2023 AFCON, both teams are looking to rebuild. The Black Stars have a new coach, Otto Addo, after they were dumped out of the AFCON in the group stage. On the other hand, the Super Eagles have Finidi as their interim coach, and he could get the job if he wins Nigeria’s games against Ghana and Mali in this international break.

The 52-year-old played for the Super Eagles, but this is a new test for him as the Nigeria job is the biggest he has gotten in his coaching career.

Ahead of the fixture, the former Ajax winger has stated that he is targeting a good result with the team. He also pumped up for the occasion because of the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana.

“We finished in second place at the Africa Cup of Nations, and everyone expects us to maintain that high rating and be even better in a short while. Our objective is to get good results in these two matches and stay positive ahead of the World Cup qualifiers,” Finidi said per OgaNla media.

“They call it friendly matches, but there is really nothing friendly when you play, especially Ghana. I have been involved in matches against Ghana since the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal. Matches between our countries are serious duels and are always seen as battles by our people. The Black Stars did not perform that well at the recent Africa Cup of Nations, and they will be keen to banish that memory.

“We will be missing four players who have pulled out due to injury, but I have confidence in the team that we have here that they will wear the green-white-green with pride and with patriotic fervour.”

If Finidi can coach Nigeria to victories against Ghana and Mali, there is a possibility that he would get the Super Eagles job permanently.

But what do you think? Should Finidi get the job if he wins Ghana and Mali?