Finidi George Gets Major Boost Ahead of Nigeria’s FIFA Qualifying Fixtures vs South Africa and Benin

• Nigeria will lock horns against South Africa and Benin Republic in the June international window
• The squad list assembled by Nigeria’s coach, Finidi George, has been largely plagued with injuries
• The newly appointed manager has been handed a timely injury boost ahead of the crunch fixtures

Finidi George's ambition to kick off his tenure as the permanent manager of the Super Eagles with a perfect start appears to be coming to fruition.

The 53-year-old tactician recently announced his team list for his first assignment as coach in the June international window. However, he has faced the challenge of dealing with injuries to several key players, including star forward, Victor Osimhen.

The Napoli talisman had been diagnosed with physical discomfort, causing him to miss the last two fixtures for his Serie A club and casting doubt on his availability for Francesco Calzona's side in the final match of the season.

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However, with barely two weeks to the crunch fixture against South Africa, there are rekindled hopes for the Super Eagles and coach Finidi about the possibility of having the forward feature for the Nigerian team.

Finidi gets massive Osimhen boost

As reported by All Nigeria Soccer, the 25-year-old forward, who had been sidelined for about three weeks, made an appearance in Napoli's final Serie A fixture against Lecce.

Osimhen came on as a second-half substitute for midfielder, Jens-Lys Cajuste, and showed no signs of lingering discomfort, nearly breaking the deadlock for the 2022-23 Italian league champions.

Barring any setbacks as he regains full fitness, Osimhen is expected to don the green and white for Nigeria against Bafana Bafana in Uyo.

Coach Finidi is also hopeful that Osimhen's teammate, Samuel Chukwueze, will be available for the upcoming fixtures. The 25-year-old is currently sidelined with a thigh injury and has missed the last three matches for AC Milan.

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The Super Eagles will face South Africa in Uyo on June 7, before travelling to Ivory Coast to play the Republic of Benin on June 10.

Finidi teases new formation for Super Eagles

Sports Brief in a previous report mentioned that the Nigerian team's coach, Finidi, has hinted at potential tactical changes for the upcoming fixtures against South Africa and Benin.

The 53-year-old coach suggested during his media tour that he plans to implement a high-attacking style of play for the team.