Super Eagles fans demand dominance, lethal attack and indigenous pride against the Black Stars of Ghana.
As the hugely anticipated friendly clash between the Super Eagles and Black Stars of Ghana looms, Nigerian football fans have outlined their main expectations and demands ahead of the crunch West African derby.
For the legions of passionate supporters, nothing less than total dominance and a display of Nigeria's attacking prowess will be acceptable in Marrakech. Here are five things the fans have demanded from Finidi George’s Eagles.
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1. Super Eagles’ Pitch Control Paramount
Super Eagles fans are eager to witness their team assert their authority by commanding possession and dictating the tempo against their fierce rivals.
They want to see Nigerian players leaving Ghana's Black Stars struggling to keep up with their pace, precision and superior control of the contest.
2. Lethal Attack Instilling Fear
With the Black Stars' defence surely fearing the worst, Nigerian supporters are hoping the Super Eagles can create ample opportunities for their lethal attacking force to thrive.
Despite the absence of star forwards like Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface and Terem Moffi, Nigeria still has enough firepower to harm the Black Stars.
Therefore, with their in-form frontmen set to deputise, fans expect a dynamic, potent offensive display that will strike fear into every opponent.
3. Embracing More Super Eagles Talents
While excited by potential new additions to the squad, the priority for many Nigerian supporters is seeing the best of the nation's talents take centre stage first and foremost.
They want to see interim boss Finidi embrace a mixture of proven Super Eagles stars and the most promising emerging talents who have not had the chance to really impress.
For many Nigerians, the Ghana and Mali matches would be an ideal place and time to see some talented but fringe players in the Super Eagles.
4. Local Legends Leading the Way
There is also a strong desire to see what Nigerian icon like Finidi George will offer after he has been empowered to guide the Super Eagles, albeit in an interim capacity.
With local knowledge, experience and a deep understanding of Nigerian football's core principles, fans believe that a legendary figure like the Enyimba boss can inspire the current crop to victory over Ghana and beyond.
Finidi has been part of the Super Eagles for the better part of Jose Peseiro’s time with the team and these fans want to see legends like him given more chances to lead and inspire the next generation.
5. Win. Win. Win
Finally, Nigerians believe the Eagles are condemned to win when they step on the Marrakech pitch to battle Ghana.
For these supporters, no match against the Black Stars is a friendly even more so given what happened the last time both teams faced off in the jollof war in Abuja.
Psychologically, Ghana has the upper hand after their U20 women’s team, the Black Princesses, defeated the Falconets in the final of the African Games. Finidi and his Eagles cannot afford to slip up in Morocco.
In summary, the Super Eagles must show superiority, be committed to attack and be rooted in indigenous values - that is the spectacle Nigerian fans are desperate to witness as international rivalries are resumed against the Black Stars.
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