Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George has stated that his team would use a different game pattern than what was used against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’ Ivoire when both teams clash tonight in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Uyo.
The Eagles are third with two points behind Rwanda and South Africa and only a win would help resuscitate the team’s World Cup ambition.
George who will be playing his first competitive game as Eagles boss, said the South African proved to be a worthy opponent at AFCON before they lost to Nigeria on penalties and the former Enyimba coach opined that the team would do the needful to get a win.
“AFCON is gone now. We knew how the game went. It was difficult but we won it which is very important. This is a World Cup Qualifier and we are going to play differently from the way we played in AFCON,” Finidi said at his press conference in Uyo. “This will be a different ball game. I am quite confident in our ability and what we are able to do tomorrow (today). We want to win and to qualify for the next World Cup and we will strive to get that win.
“We have trained so well and the players are fully prepared for the game. They know the task ahead and they are just waiting for the start of the game.
“We do not have doubt about the capacity of the players. They know it is a must win game and we will approach it that way.
He confirmed the readiness of Samuel Chukwueze and Chigozie Awaziem r who had a knock and stomach issues in respectively, adding both players have recovered and are in good shape for the game.
“All the players are ready. Samuel Chukwueze had a knock in training on Wednesday but he has been able to train without pains. Chidozie Awaziem had a little stomach upset but he is fine now,” Finidi added.
The Eagles head coach further stated that he would continue to watch the NPFL so as to unearth more quality players for the senior national team.
“We invited three players and I feel that is enough for now. The criterion is we keep watching the league and fish out those that are good enough to join the team. It is a gradual process and we want to encourage the players in the domestic league knowing that their time will come too.
“We will bring in players that are capable of playing for the senior national team that will add value to the team.”
<<The Nation>>
