Before we crucify Finidi George, it’s important to understand that it takes time for a new coach to instil their philosophy into a team. The match against Benin Republic was Finidi George’s fourth match in charge and his second competitive game with the Super Eagles. It’s also crucial to remember that three key players—Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, and William Troost-Ekong—were unavailable. Many teams would struggle without such pivotal players.
Critics argue that Finidi George should have done better, especially since he inherited a team that reached the finals of the African Nations Cup. There was arguably no need to overhaul the philosophy and players of a winning team, particularly given the limited time available. Under Jose Peseiro, the Super Eagles frequently employed a 3-4-3 formation, which relied on three core defenders and two wing-backs, making the team defensively solid as the wing-backs joined the defense when needed. This formation made the Super Eagles look compact and organized throughout most of the tournament.
However, Finidi George seems to prefer a 4-3-3 formation, which hasn’t worked well for the team. Defensively, the team has appeared vulnerable. One might question why he rushed Wilfred Ndidi back into the team. Although Ndidi is an excellent player, integrating him gradually would have been wise to avoid disrupting the team’s rhythm. Frank Onyeka performed admirably at the Nations Cup, and a sudden change might have unsettled the midfield dynamics.
Given his limited time with the team, Finidi George might have benefitted from a more conservative approach, maintaining most of the players and the team’s previous philosophy, while making gradual, necessary changes. Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup are diminishing, and many calling for Finidi’s dismissal. However, before passing judgment, we should consider that this is only his second competitive match in charge, and he has been without three key players. It’s a challenging situation for any coach. Patience might be warranted before the Nigerian Football Federation takes any drastic decisions.
By Kenechukwu Aguolu
