Finidi George: Nigeria's friendly match results divide opinion on Super Eagles post

Amid uncertainty following Jose Peceiro's departure as Nigeria's manager, this month's friendly was an opportunity for former assistant Finidi George to put his national team job on the line.

According to reports, Coach Enyimba is one of as many as 30 applicants seeking a full-time position with the Super Eagles.

The 52-year-old took charge against Ghana and Mali with the belief that good results would further improve the former international's chances.

However, results in Morocco were mixed, with a 2-1 win over the Black Stars and a 2-0 loss to Mali.

Public reaction shifted from positive to negative over the course of four days, with critics saying George was not ready for the top job.

But veteran defender Kenneth Omeruo is hoping to hand over the reins to the 1994 African Cup of Nations winner.

“The one difference is that he wants us to play good football and I like that,” the 30-year-old told BBC Sport Africa.

“I actually think he knows what he's doing and deserves to be given the job.”

Critics point to Mali's dominance in Tuesday's contest in Marrakech as evidence that George is unfit for the role.

There are also questions about his decision-making regarding player selections and substitutions, with the amount of minutes given to players such as Nathan Tella, Fisayo Dele-Bashir, Oumar Sadiq and reserve goalkeepers Olorunleke Ojo and Francis Uzoho. Many people have a hard time understanding what they are missing.

While these are legitimate concerns, his defenders are quick to point out that the situation can be alleviated.

George only took on the role a few days before the game against Ghana, and while the execution of his tactical ideas wasn't perfect, the friendly match marked a departure from the defense-first approach that was influential in Peseiro's later years. became.

George has to take responsibility for his choices, but he also suffered the misfortune of being given the task of leading the Super Eagles without any technical assistance other than goalkeeping coach Abiodun Baruwa.

Perhaps the biggest advantage in George's favor is that his players have responded well to his coaching.

“The training program was very good and the players gave 100 per cent in training,” Omeruo said.

“I think we played very good football.” [in the] Second half (against Mali). We weren't waiting to be attacked. If I had changed my chances, I might have been able to get the job done. ”

Although George's decision to start against Mali without an attacking focal point was ultimately a waste, it did create an unavoidable midfield shortage for a team that routinely uses four central midfielders. It could be seen that he was trying to deal with it.

Natural strikers Sadiq and Cyriel Dessars were surprisingly left on the bench, with George selecting Leicester City's Kelechi Iheanacho for the lead striker role and winger Moses Simon behind him.

Dessers came on in the 29th minute to replace Simon, who was stretchered off with an injury, and fired a great chance over the bar in the 64th minute.

A first-half goal from El Bilal Toure following a defensive lapse by Chidozie Awaziem and a brilliant late attack from Kamoli Doumbia gave the Eagles their first victory over Nigeria in almost 49 years.

The decision not to use a recognized striker was a gamble that didn't pay off, but the stakes are very high for the Super Eagles and such a mistake shows the risk involved in using George, even in a friendly. Many people think that it is a thing. .

Under the circumstances, entrusting George with the role is seen as a leap of faith that could make or break the Super Eagles' chances of reaching the finals.

The manager declined to comment on the possibility of landing a permanent job, making it clear he was grateful for the chance to lead the team in two important friendlies.

George said after the loss against Mali, “I think it was just a few mistakes that cost us the game.”

“It wasn't a bad game. We had good intensity and created some chances, but we didn't score. And in a game like this, if you make a mistake, you're punished.”

“The positives are clear for everyone, and I am equally grateful for the opportunity to lead this great group and my country.”

Among those who reportedly applied for the vacant post is 1994 African Player of the Year and former Tanzanian manager Emmanuel Amuneke.

Michael Ensien, the rising coach of the U.S. U-19 team, threw his hat into the ring and talked about his strategy to strengthen the three-time African champions, earning him plaudits.

Meanwhile, Toni Conceição, the Portuguese who led Cameroon to third place in the 2021 Nations Cup home tournament, has also applied to coach the Super Eagles.