Explains Decision Not To Play Boniface Against South Africa
Setback in Uyo on Friday notwithstanding, Super Eagles Coach, Finidi George, is optimistic of the team picking the group ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
He has assured Nigerians that the Super Eagles will get a better result tomorrow, when they face Gernot Rohr-led Benin Republic in match day 4 of the qualifiers in Abidjan.
Against all expectations, the Super Eagles narrowly escaped another home defeat at the Godwill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, coming from behind to get a 1-1 draw with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa. The result has left Nigeria in a more dangerous position, placing fifth in the six team formation with just three points from three matches.
Though, Finidi looks worried over the poor result in Uyo, he has assured the Eagles will fly higher tomorrow in Abidjan.
After beating group leader, Rwanda 1-0 on Thursday, Gernot Rohr, a former coach of the Super Eagles declared that there would be no hiding place for the Super Eagles on Monday.
But Finidi says they would approach tomorrow’s match in Abidjan as if their lives depend on it.
“Our game against Benin Republic in Abidjan will be different,” Finidi said. “I am optimistic we will come home with a better result. All we need is support from Nigerians,”
Meanwhile, Finidi defended his decision not to introduce striker Victor Boniface against South Africa on Friday.
Despite calls from fans present at the stadium to bring on the in-form Bayer Leverkusen forward, Finidi opted to introduce Terem Moffi and Raphael Onyedika as substitutes instead.
When questioned about his decision, he said that he will not be swayed by external pressure, insisting that the coaching staff should be trusted to make the right calls.
“Allow us to do our jobs,” Finidi stated. “We wanted to introduce Boniface and Moffi, but Semi (Ajayi) had a knock, and we had to take him off and introduce Moffi and Onyedika. The fans and media would shout for different players, if they don’t perform well, the shout will be, take him off. Allow us to do our jobs.”
Finidi acknowledged that his team missed chances in the game, saying, “We missed chances, overall it was not a bad second half for us.”
He also dismissed the notion that outsiders have a better perspective on when to make substitutions, saying, “No one will tell me when to make changes, the crowd can be shouting. Everyone is a coach, when you stand outside you see, but when you sit there you don’t see anything.”
On why Paul Onuachu stayed longer on the pitch, Findi added, “Onuachu stayed longer in the game, it was our decision that should not bother anyone.”
