Super Eagles Interim coach Finidi George took crucial steps towards staking a claim for the permanent role by masterminding a win and a loss in two friendly games.
A hard-fought 2-1 friendly win over Ghana in Marrakech and a 2-0 loss to Mali offers the scorecard for results.
The former Ajax and Real Betis winger was handed the interim reins following the departure of Jose Peseiro after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final loss to Cote d’Ivoire.
The Nigerian legend gave the Nigerian Football Federation food for thought by leading his side to an impressive first victory over their fierce West African rivals in 18 years thanks to goals from Cyriel Dessers and super-sub Ademola Lookman.
Super Eagles Interim Coach: The Tactical Analysis
Finidi opted for a 3-5-2 formation instead of the 3-4-3 employed by Jose Peseiro during the AFCON. Additionally, players like Wilfred Ndidi, Cyriel Dessers, Kelechi Ihenacho, and Bright Osayi-Samuel returned to the team. Furthermore, Benjamin Tanimu made his debut for Nigeria, starting in defense.
“We didn’t keep the same (the 3-4-3 formation at AFCON 2023), we played with a 3-5-2. At the AFCON, we saw only Victor Osimhen upfront and we felt he was doing so much alone,” the former winger said after the game. “So I wanted some other players to do the job. At least pairing two players upfront. You see when a player gets the ball there is an opportunity to pass. We have to risk it but we have to get something going forward.”
George Finidi introduced a noticeable tactical shift, opting for a hybrid 3-5-2 formation and emphasizing pressing and organized midfield play.
While Cyriel Dessers’ penalty goal was positive, his missed chances raised concerns, indicating a need for greater efficiency and consistency.
Nigeria’s depth and talent were evident against Ghana, demonstrating their superiority as one of Africa’s top teams, with standout performances from players like Stanley Nwabali and the defensive trio.
The Enyimba Experiment That Finidi George’s Team Promises
In each of Finidi’s seasons coaching Enyimba, his striker has always finished as one of the top three topscorers because his team uses various means to create opportunities for strikers. They miss a whole lot of scoring chances but they keep creating.
One of the biggest problems for Enyimba before Finidi was winning margins as they labour in front of goals.
Enyimba’s top scorer for the 20/21 season, Tosin Omoyele, scored a paltry seven goals followed by Victor Mbaoma with six.
Eventually, the goals started coming, and in his second season, Finidi emerged as champion of the NPFL with Enyimba.
Finidi George: From the Field To The Touchline
The 52-year-old former Ajax Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and Real Betis (Spain) winger, made a scoring debut for Nigeria in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Burkina Faso at the National Stadium, Lagos on 27th July 1991.
On his debut in 1991, George, who also featured for Calabar Rovers and Sharks FC in the domestic scene before heading to Europe, scored one and made four assists for legendary ‘goalsfather’ Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory), and also assisted the latter to score Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal against Bulgaria in Dallas, USA on 19th June 1994.
George scored the goal that took Nigeria to her first FIFA World Cup finals when he put Nigeria ahead against hosts Algeria in a crucial qualifier in Algiers on 8th October 1993. The match eventually ended 1-1 and earned Nigeria a ticket to the finals in America.
George is from a family of football stars (elder brother Alari and younger brother Igeniwari of blessed memory were established players).
He has understudy Portuguese José Santos Peseiro, who led the Eagles to runner-up position at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire earlier in the year for 21 months as First Assistant coach.
Super Eagles Interim Coach: The Challenges Ahead
In this photo, the only coach there is Baruwa, the goalkeeper trainer.
Finidi did not have the full complement of assistants, including a fitness trainer, and a match reader/analyst, among others. Most people here are backroom staff with administrative duties, kits managers, and team doctors. If the NFF must give the Super Eagles job to any domestic coach, they should set up the coaching crew.