Patrick Pascal Sends a Message to Finidi’s Critics Ahead of Super Eagles’ Showdown With South Africa

• Finidi George's first assignment as coach of the Super Eagles will see him lock horns with Hugo Broos' South Africa
• The newly appointed manager continues to attract a flurry of scepticism from fans across Nigeria's footballing scenes
• Team coordinator of the Nigerian team has sent a message to the coach’s critics ahead of the clash against South Africa

Finidi George's appointment as the coach of the Super Eagles has been met with considerable scepticism within Nigeria's football community.

The 53-year-old, who was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the widespread clamour for an indigenous manager, is tasked with leading the Nigerian team to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following the country's absence from the 2022 edition.

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However, Finidi's start to his tenure has divided opinion among fans and his inaugural squad list for the fixtures against South Africa, and the Benin Republic has failed to instil optimism.

Nonetheless, amid the prevailing doubts and scepticism, team coordinator, Patrick Pascal, has sent a clear message to fans, urging them to trust in Finidi's capability to lead the Super Eagles to success.

Super Eagles team coordinator sends message to Finidi's critics

In a chat with Sports Brief, the 49-year-old stressed the need to support the manager and put an end to the doubts and scepticism.

"Finidi George is now the head coach of the Super Eagles. Can you name any coach in the past who was guaranteed success from the outset? Everyone involved in his appointment believes he will succeed, and they have a positive outlook.

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Finidi himself has a positive mindset. In his interviews, he expressed his determination to do his best. He’s focused on his role and understands that, by the end of his contract, the federation will decide whether to extend it based on his performance."

The sentiments of the team coordinator seem to strike a chord with the Nigerian players, who have continued to advocate for unwavering support for the former Enyimba manager.

Having experienced a mix of results during his interim coaching stint, Finidi will hope to kick off his tenure as the permanent manager with a string of victories against South Africa and the Benin Republic.

Finidi to retain Peseiro’s AFCON tactics

Sports Brief in another report stated coach Finidi will likely retain Jose Peseiro’s tactics at the AFCON for the clash against South Africa.

So far, the Super Eagles coach has been training with the 3-5-2 that the Nigerian team will use at the showpiece in Ivory Coast.