INT’L FRIENDLIES: WE WANT TO MAKE NIGERIANS PROUD, SAYS FINIDI GEORGE

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Super Eagles Coach, Finidi George says, his goal is to ensure that his team performs very well in their upcoming international friendly games, to make Nigerians proud.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that George will occupy the chief’s corner in the dugout when the Super Eagles confront West African arch-rivals Ghana in an international friendly on Friday.

This was after he was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Tuesday to hold the reins in the meantime, following the exit of Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro.

This is coming 21 months after he began to understudy Peseiro, who led the Eagles to the second position at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

The African runners-up are expected to also confront Les Aigles of Mali in a second friendly game at the same Grand Stade de Marrakech, Morocco, on March 26.

“As a coach, there’s a huge responsibility that comes with the job, but that’s what we do.

“You have to be calm, do your job, and ensure you do it properly.

“We know a lot of Nigerians are watching. So, we want to make them proud.

“The AFCON is gone, and these are two games that are very crucial to Nigeria.

“So we will take it very seriously and make sure we get the best out of these games,” George said.

NAN also reports that George, a former Ajax player, will be leading a group of 22 Super Eagles players.

He will be looking to tune up their skills, tactics, and strategy in this month’s international window ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June.

The coach had his first training session with the team on Tuesday in Marrakech as they were put through their paces.

No fewer than 14 out of the 22 players expected at the team’s Adam Park Hotel in Marrakech took part in some light workouts.

However, defenders Gabriel Osho and Tyronne Ebuehi, as well as forwards Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi, have been ruled out of the friendlies after being knocked out by injuries.

“The training has been good even though we are still waiting for some players, but the players that are here now have done a good job in training.

“It was not that intense because some of them (the players) are just coming in from their travels.

“But it’s been a good feeling; the team spirit is good. So I am happy about that,” the coach said. (NAN)