The Chief Coach of the Nigeria National Team, Finidi George has opened up on his reason for leaving in-form super eagles striker, Victor Boniface on the bench during the all important cracker between Nigeria and South Africa in Uyo.
Despite tantrums thrown by Nigerians at the coach, on why the promising striker was on the bench, Finidi explained that the circumstances on the field of play prompted a change in plans resulting in the sacrificing of Boniface’s play time to maintain equilibrium on the pitch.
In his words at the post-match press interview “We thought about bringing him in, he was supposed to come in, but when we had Ajayi complain that he couldn’t continue, we had to reverse that,” Finidi acknowledged.
The coach noted a tactical shift, ultimately leading to Boniface’s exclusion from the match.
However, the coach was quick to reassure fans that the talented forward’s opportunity may still come. “We have another game definitely if he’s up and doing he’s going to play,” he stated.
Addressing the criticism and demands from some quarters regarding player selections, Finidi emphasised the importance of on-field performance over external pressures.
“For me, it’s what you can give to me on the field of play. Everybody wants this player or that player to play, but at the end of the day, if the player is not performing, you guys will still be shouting take him off, so let us do our job. We know who is good to go,” Finidi declared.
Themba Zwane of South Africa opened the scoresheet in the 29th minute of the match played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Equalising after a superb turn, Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru slotted in a low shot to the edge of the post in the 46th minute.
The match ended at a stalemate, however.
The results mean that Nigeria is placed fifth in a table of six teams after three matches in the 10-match competition.
Nigeria, in three matches, has drawn all three.
The group winners will qualify for 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and United States; four best-ranked runners-up go into play-offs and winners enter an inter-continental tournament where six nations will compete for two places.
Meanwhile, the game marked Finidi’s first game as Super Eagles coach.
Super Eagles will travel to Abidjan to face third-placed Benin on June 10.
Nigerians who spoke to RolanTimes after the match expressed fear at the likelihood of the Super Eagles missing the next World Cup tournament. A development a fan, James Obi described as “sad and pathetic” considering the fact that Nigeria missed the last World Cup.
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