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Finidi George is set to audition for the Super Eagles' vacant managerial role when he takes charge of the team against Ghana and Mali.
Almost two months after they lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles will return to action this month when they play two sets of international friendly matches.
The three-time African champions take on the Black Stars of Ghana on Friday, March 22, before taking on Mali four days later, with the two games taking place in Morocco.
While the players will just be looking to bounce back from that painful loss to Ivory Coast last month, it will be more than that for Finidi George.
The Super Eagles go into the two games without a permanent coach after Jose Peseiro left his role following the team’s second-place finish at AFCON 2023.
Following Peseiro’s exit, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) received over 100 applications for the Super Eagles job after the body declared the position vacant.
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09:53 - 08.03.2024
NFF begins hunt for Peseiro's Super Eagles replacement with social media advert
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF has started the search for Jose Peseiro's replacement in the Super Eagles.
But with the NFF yet to announce their man, Finidi will take charge of the team for the games against Ghana and Mali.
The good news, however, for Finidi is that he could make the job permanently his if the team does well in the two matches.
Finidi is one of the candidates who threw their hat into the ring for the role. But the former Ajax man has an advantage over others as he could convince the NFF to hand him the job permanently by passing his audition.
However, for that to happen, here are three things he must do in both games.
Make the Super Eagles exciting to watch again
The Super Eagles may have gotten to the final of AFCON 2023, but they played some diabolical football on their way to the competition’s showpiece.
While it is true that result is the most important thing in tournament football, the style Nigeria adopted at AFCON 2023 is not sustainable in the long run.
It would have been a different scenario if Nigeria only adopted the style at AFCON, but that was how the team played during Peseiro’s era, looking devoid of ideas and waiting for the opponent’s mistake.
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It is one thing to cede possession to formidable teams like Morocco or Senegal, it is another thing to do the same against countries like Angola and Guinea-Bissau, with no disrespect to the two countries.
The good news for Finidi, though, is that he was an assistant under Peseiro and could see everything that was wrong with the team.
The former Real Betis man needs to move away from the style the team adopted under his former boss and get the team playing exciting football again.
Even though he has a short time to prepare the team, he needs to create an identity of what he wants from his team.
His style must be well-defined and exciting to watch. The good news for him is that there is no better time to show it than in the two friendly matches.
The Super Eagles must not lose to Ghana
This window may be a chance for Finidi to get the team to play exciting football, but he cannot afford to lose to Ghana, at least.
This is because of the rivalry between the two countries. There is nothing like a friendly between the two countries because the loser will be the butt of jokes on social media, and that is not what Nigerians want.
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Knowing the way Nigerians react to a loss, Finidi’s team cannot afford to lose to Ghana. If it happens, the fallout could cost the ex-international irrespective of the performance.
Give new players a chance
One of the issues Nigerians had with Peseiro was his refusal to try out new players. Even in games that allowed him to try out new things, Peseiro stuck with his regulars.
However, Finidi needs to bring in a new competitive era by giving new players a chance to fight for a spot on the team.
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The two games against Ghana should allow him to try out players who could challenge some of the older guys.
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17:05 - 19.03.2024
Finidi George holds meeting as Super Eagles prepare for Jollof derby against Ghana
Ahead of the Jollof derby between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Black Stars of Ghana, Finidi George holds a meeting with coaching staff.
If he does that, it may actually convince Nigerians that he is built differently and not afraid to make some big calls, which is what every fan wants to see.
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