Finidi hails Super Eagles despite Mali defeat
Super Eagles care-taker coach Finidi George has hailed his team’s performance despite their defeat in Tuesday’s international friendly against Eagles of Mali in Marrakech, Morocco.
Goals from El Bilal Toure and Kamory Doumbia were all that was needed to subdue the Nigerian side translating not just to victory but history making one at that, as it would be the first time Eagles of Mali will be defeating their Nigerian counterparts in 49 years, having last beaten the Eagles in 1975.
The Eagles went into the game against Mali on the back of a 2-1 win against Ghana’s Black Stars on Friday.
Finidi made some changes in his line-up against Mali with the trio of Kenneth Omeruo, Raphael Onyedika and Jamilu Collins starting.
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“This is a team that keeps the ball very well but if we had our injured strikers available, we would have changed the one on the pitch immediately,” Finidi said in his post-match.
“Losing two strikers forced us to play wide and as an aggressive team, we did all we could. And you know football is all about victory
“Lost one and won one and we are not outplayed in the two matches gives me joy as a coach of the Super Eagles.
“I would have loved a different result in this game but that’s not the case if we look at the performance of the players, it’s commendable.”
The Eagles will now turn attention to the world Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic even as the NFF continues to screening of coaches to properly takeover as Super Eagles coach after the departure of Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro who led the team to second best finish at the recently concluded AFCON in Ivory Coast.
READ ALSO NFF begins search for Super Eagles head coach after Peseiro’s exit
Finidi George who doubles as Coach of two time CAF Champions league winners Enyimba is among the coaches being considered for the job.