Finidi George: Super Eagles Coach Eyeing World Cup Qualifiers vs South Africa

• Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers against South Africa is important to Finidi George
• The Super Eagles are currently trailing Bafana Bafana by one point in Group C
• Nigeria are aiming to return to next World Cup after missing the 2022 edition

Finidi George has disclosed that Nigeria’s upcoming friendlies against Ghana and Mali this month are just preparatory games for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against South Africa.

The Super Eagles have started the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on a disappointing note after drawing their first two games against Lesotho and Zimbabwe and must now earn a win against Bafana Bafana.

According to Brila, Finidi, who has been appointed as the temporary manager of the Super Eagles, says the games against the Black Stars and Eagles of Mali is to keep the team in a positive shape before facing South Africa.

Sunday Oliseh: Former Borussia Dortmund Midfielder Sounds Warning to Nigeria on Parking the Bus

Football

"We finished in second place at the Africa Cup of Nations and everyone expects us to maintain that high rating and be even better in a short while," Finidi told the NFF's Media Channel.

"Our objective is to get good results in these two matches and stay positive ahead of the World Cup qualifiers."

Nigeria, who lie third in Group C with two points from their first two games in the World Cup qualifiers, will host Hugo Broos’ South Africa on June 3, 2024.

Finidi upbeat about Ghana friendly

Meanwhile, Finidi has said his Super Eagles players know what is at stake against Ghana’s Black Stars as both teams gear up for Friday’s friendly game in Morocco, Complete Sports reports.

Nigeria will face the Black Stars for the first time since losing the 2022 World Cup ticket to their arch-rivals after playing a 1-1 draw at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja.

Antoine Semenyo: Ghana Star Heads for Nigeria Friendly Netting 2 Premier League Goals, Warns Super Eagles

Football

Finidi reckons no game against the Ghanaians is a friendly game and the Super Eagles will give their best to come out victorious after the game.

Finidi sends warning to Ghana

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Finidi says the international friendly between Ghana and Nigeria goes beyond 'friendly' because of the two nations' rivalry.

The Super Eagles will miss their top striker Victor Osimhen but the interim Nigeria coach insists the boys in camp are ready for Ghana.