Fans of the Senior National football team, the Super Eagles have criticised coach Finidi George for his poor tactics as Nigeria records its first ever loss against neighbour Benin Republic.
The Super Eagles threw away a 0-1 lead in the first half of the game which was seen as a must win if they must qualify for the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika put Nigeria in the lead in the 27th minute before the host got back in the game through a goal by Sochaux forward Jodel Dossou in the 44th minute.
The complacency of Super Eagles was brought to bare just before halftime as Brest forward Steve Mounie put the Cheetahs of Benin in the lead with a goal in the 3rd added minutes of the first half.
Nigerians, however blamed the Super Eagles Coach, Finidi George for the loss as they ascribed the defeat to his lack of tactics.
Reactind to the defeat, X user Bros IK said, “Finidi George clearly did not learn from Peseiro’s defensive style as an assistant coach. Super Eagles’ defense today is very poor. You can’t win a match with a poor defense.”
“Finidi George was a bad idea. Asides a bad idea, obviously a stop gap – never looked like a prop coach. A failed state rubbing off on its sports.” another X user Jayy tweeted.
Calling for the sack of Finidi, Bolarinwa Olajide posted, “Nigeria will not play a World Cup qualifying game until 2025 against Rwanda. A lot of changes must be made before then, starting with the head coach, Finidi George. We have nothing to lose at this point. The worst has happened.”
X influencer, Alabi (@the_Lawrenz) tweeted, “José Peseiro made a team out of a disjointed and mixed-experienced set of players. He took them to the finals and was defeated by a difference of one goal. The NFF deemed it for not to renew his contract and he was let go. They appointed a Finidi George whose only managerial experience was Enyimba FC. These people appointed Finidi George and gave him the task to take NIGERIA to the World Cup. Super Eagles cannot beat a 97th ranked Benin. We are not serious as a country… Super Eagles will miss yet another World Cup. I’m tired.”
“Sack Finidi George now, keeping him is “High risk” venture. As an advocate of local coach, I would recommend Amunike for the job.” another X user Ortiv tweeted.
