By Milcah Tanimu
Former Nigerian forward, Finidi George, will take charge from the dugout as the Super Eagles face off against their West African rivals, the Black Stars of Ghana, in an international friendly scheduled for Friday in Marrakech, Morocco.
The 52-year-old ex-Ajax and Real Betis winger, known for his impressive career both domestically and internationally, has been appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to oversee the team’s affairs temporarily. This decision comes as a group of 22 players prepares to tackle Ghana and Mali during this month’s international window.
George made a memorable debut for Nigeria back in 1991, where he not only scored a goal but also provided four assists for the legendary Rashidi Yekini, affectionately known as the ‘goalsfather.’ He played a pivotal role in assisting Yekini to score Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal against Bulgaria in Dallas, USA, on June 19, 1994.
Notably, George’s goal against hosts Algeria secured Nigeria’s qualification for their first FIFA World Cup finals, a historic moment in Nigerian football history.
The former Enyimba of Aba coach will be issuing instructions from the touchline, stepping into the role after understudying Portuguese coach José Santos Peseiro, who guided the Eagles to a runner-up position at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire earlier this year.
As of Tuesday afternoon, 12 out of the 22 invited players had arrived in Marrakech. Unfortunately, defenders Gabriel Osho and Tyronne Ebuehi, as well as forwards Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi, are sidelined due to injuries.
Present at the Adam Park Hotel in Marrakech are goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Olorunleke Ojo, defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Jamilu Collins, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Benjamin Tanimo. Joining them are midfielders Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, and Alhassan Yusuf, along with forwards Moses Simon, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Sadiq Umar, and Ademola Lookman.
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