The senior national team of Nigeria will soon have a new coach following the departure of Finidi George after a poor performance in his first two competitive games in charge of the team.
Finidi was appointed on a one year deal, but with an instant mandate to ensure that the team find their way in the world cup qualifiers with games against South Africa and Benin Republic respectively.
They forced South Africa to a 1-1 draw before losing 1-2 to Benin Republic. A performance that saw them drop to 5th in the six team group with the team now four points behind group leaders Rwanda.
In reaction the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said they will be hiring an expatriate coach for the team in the coming days with the qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations fast approaching in September.
Related Post
OwnGoalNigeria.com picks five players who should be worried about their spot in the team when a new coach is appointed, and top of the list is Wilfred Ndidi who is presently out of contract at Leicester City.
Ndidi – It’s more than a coincidence that the team’s best performance at the AFCON came in the absence of Ndidi. Worthy to note that it was his foul late into the game against Algeria that resulted in the goal scored by Riyad Mahrez in the semi final of the 2019 AFCON.
He was also guilty of losing the ball in his half from where Tunisia scored the goal that sent Nigeria out of the 2021 AFCON in the round of 16. Even at Leicester City he now plays higher up the pitch as the rate at which he wins tackles which was his strength has dipped drastically the past two seasons. A decision has to be made on his spot in the team and role.
Kelechi Iheanacho – Like Ndidi he is facing an uncertain future at club level, something that will likely extend to the national team where in major tournaments he hasn’t found his range. A lively character to have around the team and arguably the best finisher in the team but finding the system that suits his skill set is a huge concern, which should put his future in the team up for debate.
Samuel Chukwueze – The way he started his international career in 2018 one would have thought he will by now be one of the senior players in the team. But it hasn’t been the case with two many inconsistent displays especially in key games.
It’s clear that the talent is there, however that hasn’t been sufficient enough for him to nail a permanent spot in the team five years from his debut game.
Francis Uzoho – Since playing the role of first choice goalkeeper at the 2018 world cup, the Omonia Nicosia shot stopper has not been the preferred choice in the subsequent three tournaments. A good shot stopper on a very good day but it’s clear to see that he can’t be the first choice again or not in a position to stake a claim. It’s about time the team look for another option.
Chidozie Awaziem – Since 2017 when he broke into the team he hasn’t been seen as a regular or a starter. Seven years on and he couldn’t shrug off Benjamin Tanimu of Tanzanian side Ihefu for a spot in the last two games.
From all indications, coaches who have handled the team from Gernot Rohr, Austine Eguavoen, Jose Peseiro and Finidi George don’t see him as a starter but a squad player. Safe to say even in that role he hasn’t been trusted enough. It’s time to move on and that could be the case with a new coach.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
