Finidi George Makes Late Change to Super Eagles Squad Ahead of South Africa, Benin Fixtures

• The Super Eagles will face South Africa and Benin Republic in the June international window
• Finidi George has drawn a 23-player list for the crunch FIFA World Cup qualification fixtures
• The newly appointed gaffer has recently made a late change to his team list ahead of the games

Finidi George has made a late change to the Nigerian team's squad list for the FIFA World Cup qualification fixtures against South Africa and the Benin Republic.

The 53-year-old initially unveiled a 23-player squad list that featured six defenders, six midfielders, and eight attackers.

However, a flurry of injury setbacks suffered by players on the list has meant the newly appointed manager has had to make several changes to his inaugural team list as coach of the Nigerian team.

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Nonetheless, just as it seemed that the dust had begun to settle and Finidi had assembled his ideal team for the World Cup qualification campaign, the former Enyimba manager was forced into making a late change after another Nigerian attacker withdrew from the squad.

Finidi makes a late change to Nigeria’s squad

In a statement shared by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on social media, Bayer Leverkusen forward, Nathan Tella, has withdrawn from the upcoming Super Eagles fixtures.

The federation cited personal reasons for Tella's decision to excuse himself from the squad.

However, the statement concludes by announcing that coach Finidi has decided to call up Rizespor attacker, Ibrahim Olawoyin, as a replacement for the former Burnley forward.

This change to the Super Eagles squad comes just days after star forward, Victor Osimhen, pulled out of the squad and was replaced by Enugu Rangers left-back, Kenneth Igoke.

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The Super Eagles are set to open camp for the qualification fixtures on June 1, with the first of the two matches against South Africa scheduled for June 7 and the final game three days later.

Odegbami names an ingredient for Finidi’s success

Sports Brief in another report stated former Super Eagles captain, Segun Odegbami, has identified a key ingredient for Finidi’s success as Nigeria’s coach.

The 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner hinted at the calibre of players available to coach Finidi through his stint as manager.