Finidi George In High Morale Ahead Of First Eagles Task

Interim coach Finidi George is optimistic about Nigeria’s upcoming friendly matches against Ghana and Mali in Morocco.
He emphasizes the responsibility of making Nigerians proud and assures that the team is focused on performing well.
Finidi is also among the contenders to replace the departed Portuguese coach, Jose Peseiro.

Eko Hot Blog reports that Super Eagles interim coach Finidi George is hopeful that the team will capitalize on the current FIFA break as he leads them for the first time in two friendly matches against Ghana and Mali in Morocco, scheduled for Friday and next Tuesday respectively.

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Nigeria is set to face Ghana in the first of two friendly matches this Friday at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, followed by a match against Mali four days later.

The team’s camp opened on Tuesday, with the former international coach overseeing the training session of 15 out of the anticipated 23 players.

Fenerbahçe defender Bright Osayi-Samuel is the sole player expected to join the team as of the time of filing this report on Tuesday.

While he is also among the aspirants to replace the departed Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, who left after the expiration of his contract earlier this month, Finidi is positive that the team will live up to expectations of Nigerians in both games.

“Definitely as a coach there is responsibility and that’s what we do. We have to be calm and do the job properly. A lot of Nigerians are watching, so, we want to make them proud. The AFCON is gone and these are two games that are crucial, we will take them seriously and make sure we get the best out of them,” Finidi said.

“The players are doing a good job in training. It’s not that intense because most of them are just traveling in. The team spirit is good and I’m happy about it.”

Finidi served as an assistant under Peseiro and will be in contention to replace the Portuguese coach as the NFF searches for a substantive replacement.