Osimhen ran too much alone - Finidi criticises Peseiro's AFCON tactics after Ghana win

Victor Osimhen during the AFCON 2023 final against Ivory Coast | Imago

FOOTBALL Osimhen ran too much alone - Finidi criticises Peseiro's AFCON tactics after Ghana win

Osimhen ran too much alone - Finidi criticises Peseiro's AFCON tactics after Ghana win

Izuchukwu Akawor • 16:17 - 23.03.2024

Nigeria's Super Eagles legend Finidi George has offered a scathing critique of former manager Jose Peseiro's tactics at AFCON 2023.

In the aftermath of Nigeria's impressive 2-1 victory over Ghana in Morocco, former Super Eagles winger Finidi George didn't hold back in his assessment of the team's previous struggles at the Africa Cup of Nations under Jose Peseiro.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Finidi was assistant to Peseiro during the recently concluded AFCON 2023 where the Super Eagles made it to the final against Cote d’Ivoire.

Finidi explains Super Eagles tactics

Speaking to the media after the game against rivals Ghana, Finidi highlighted a key tactical shift that he believes contributed to Nigeria's solid performance against their West African rivals.

"We played with a 3-5-2 formation," the Atlanta '96 Olympic gold medalist explained, per a Pulse Sports report. 

Finidi George lead the Super Eagles in his match as interim manager.
Finidi George lead the Super Eagles in his match as interim manager. (Photo Credit: Imago)

"But at the AFCON, it was only Osimhen and we felt he was doing too much running alone."

Finidi, who earned 62 caps for the three-time African champions, appears to advocate for a strike partnership to provide more support for the Napoli hitman.

Nigeria's Victor Osimhen scored just one goal for Nigeria at AFCON 2023.
Nigeria's Victor Osimhen scored just one goal for Nigeria at AFCON 2023. I(Photo Credit: mago

The Enyimba boss and Eagles boss started the game against Otto Addo’s men with Cyriel Dessers and Kelechi Iheanacho leading the attack, a departure from the system in Ivory Coast.

"I wanted some other player in a strike pairing," the former Real Betis and Ajax winger added. "We could see once a player gets the ball, there was an opportunity for a pass."

Super Eagles boss, Jose Peseiro was Super Eagles boss for 22 months.
Super Eagles boss, Jose Peseiro was Super Eagles boss for 22 months. (Photo Credit: Modo Victor/X)

The 52-year-old didn't mince words when describing the need for a more attacking mindset against the Black Stars.

"We had to take some risks, but we had to get something positive going forward," he added.

A happy return to the team for Cyriel Dessers, who partnered Kelechi Iheanacho in attack for Eagles.
A happy return to the team for Cyriel Dessers, who partnered Kelechi Iheanacho in attack for Eagles. (Photo Credit: Oganla Media/X)

Will the Nigeria Football Federation heed Finidi's advice and implement a two-striker system going forward? 

Only time will tell, but the legendary wide man's assessment will undoubtedly spark debate among the Super Eagles faithful.

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Finidi and his Eagles return to the pitch in three days to face the Eagles of Mali in game two of their trip to Morocco.

It would be interesting to see if the former Ajax man would retain the same shape when Nigeria take to the pitch.

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Nigeria Finidi George Victor Osimhen