Jose Peseiro’s Assistant Sheds Light on Disagreements in Nigeria Camp During 2023 AFCON

• Some Nigeria players had reported issues with Finidi George during the March international break
• Finidi reportedly fell out with several Super Eagles players after the games against Ghana and Mali
• Sadiq Umar and Ademola Lookman both allegedly made their feelings clear to the interim manager

During the March international break, reports emerged from the Nigeria camp that striker, Sadiq Umar, had refused to shake hands with interim coach, Finidi George.

Umar was one of the players who was claimed to have a bone of contention with the caretaker coach after he left them on the bench against Ghana and Mali.

One of Jose Peseiro's assistant coaches has also since lifted the lid on some of the disputes that occurred during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Real Sociedad striker, Umar, was called up for the 2023 edition of the AFCON but left the camp days before the tournament due to an apparent injury.

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However, he played for the Spanish side a few days later, raising pertinent questions about the team's doctors or a possible disagreement with the coaching staff.

Umar was called up for the March friendlies but did not play a single minute in the Ghana and Mali games, per Brila.

Peseiro assistant on Nigeria disaagrements

Peseiro's former assistant disclosed that they had a few disputes with several key players in the team.

"We had a couple as well, but we had to be smart about it, especially in the build-up to the AFCON," he said via OwnGoal Nigeria.

"There was a situation with Victor Osimhen before the AFCON. Ademola Lookman in the second game and William Troost-Ekong just before the AFCON. I can remember Kelechi Iheanacho also had some sort of disagreements with the coach. Even Terem Moffi. It all was in good faith and for the good of the team."

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He also defended Umar, dismissing negative reports emerging about the striker.

"He is a team player and a very good guy. When he got injured before the AFCON, the coach kept in touch with him because we really had him in our plans. It's untrue, wicked, and malicious to say he got into the team because of influence from the NFF. He is Peseiro's kind of player and he plays in a top team in a top league."

During the March international break, some Super Eagles players were also said to have been unhappy with Finidi's handling of the team.

Umar and other players, who got little or no minutes, were reportedly angry at Finidi, who is among the contenders for the head coach role.

Was Umar forced on Finidi?

Sports Brief earlier reported on claims that Umar was forced on Finidi during the March break.

The striker was reportedly not recommended but was named on the team list by the NFF anyway.

The FA's Technical Committee, headed by former coach, Augustine Eguavoen, compiled the final list.