Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-22 05:19:12
The Super Eagles, Nigeria’s senior national team, will be facing Ghana in a friendly game in Morocco without their former coach, Jose Peseiro, for the first time in almost two years. Peseiro stepped down after leading the team to a silver medal finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. His former assistant, Finidi George, will be leading the team in the upcoming friendly matches against Ghana and Mali, with the opportunity to secure the job permanently.
George sees these games as his audition for the head coaching position and is determined to use his experience to lead the team to victory. The Super Eagles have been training in Marrakech since Monday, with George stating that the team is prepared for a fresh start. He emphasized that the match against Ghana will be approached like a cup final, with new players eager to prove themselves and earn a permanent spot in the squad.
The absence of Captain Ahmed Musa, who may have played his final game for Nigeria, adds to the changes in the team. The injured assistant captain, William Troost-Ekong, as well as Taiwo Awoniyi and Victor Osimhen, will also be missing from the squad, providing an opportunity for other players to showcase their skills.
Chidozie Awaziem, who has been in and out of the squad since 2016, expressed confidence in George’s coaching abilities and the team’s potential for improvement. The players have responded well to George’s training sessions, creating a positive atmosphere within the team.
The upcoming match against Ghana marks Nigeria’s first encounter with their rivals since the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, where Ghana secured a spot at the tournament. Both teams will also have their focus on the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, with Nigeria facing South Africa and Benin Republic in their next matches, while Ghana takes on Mali and the Central African Republic.
Nigeria is in Group C of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, along with South Africa, Benin Republic, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Lesotho, while Ghana is in Group I with Mali, Madagascar, Central African Republic, Comoros Islands, and Chad. The friendly matches against Ghana and Mali will serve as crucial preparation for both teams as they look to secure their places in the 2026 World Cup.
