There was palpable tension in the Super Eagles camp earlier this week following the three-time African champions loss to Mali, npflupdates.com reports.
The Super Eagles defeated arch rivals last weekend for the first time since 2006 last weekend; but went ahead to lose against Mali earlier this week.
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And while fans and supporters doubted the tactics of interim manager Finidi George, some players in the team express dissatisfaction over their lack of game time.
Super Eagles still without a permanent manager
According to a report by Owngoal Nigeria, Atalanta Bergamasca winger Ademola Lookman was among the players who spoke to the coach about lack of game time.
Former AS Roma forward Umar Sadiq, was alleged to have snubbed shaking hands with the former Real Betis winger after the game against Ghana.
Recall, Umar was joining the Super Eagles for the first time since after the 2023 AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast. And with the absence of big names like Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface and Taiwo Awoniyi, fans hoped the 27-year-old would’ve gotten a chance.
A report by SCORENigeria revealed that tye former UD Almeria forward, was not even included in the list of players compiled by Finidi George.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is poised to finding a new manager for the Super Eagles latest early next month.
In another story, Coach Finidi revealed he’s not desperate for the Super Eagles job permanently.
“I felt really good when I was told to take charge of the team. I have been with the team for almost two years, I know all the players, their strengths, and their weaknesses but I am only here to serve Nigeria the way I know how to do stuff
“I will just take these two games and go back to my club. Whatever the decision is taken after, so be it. I’m not under pressure to say I must get the role permanently,” George told Modo TV.
Speaking about his team’s loss to Mali, the 52-year-old cried over his team’s inability to convert chances.
“I think we made a few mistakes that cost us the match,” the 52-year-old tactician comtinued.
“It wasn’t a bad game, good intensity was exhibited and we created a couple of chances but failed to score. In a game like this when you make mistakes and fail to score you get punished but I was happy with the entire play.
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“The formation wasn’t bad at all; this is a team that keeps the ball very well. Using two strikers helped us and forced them to play wide. We could have pressed a bit more but overall, we weren’t bad. We know football is all about victory but I am looking at other aspects.
He added, “Not a bad performance, lost one, won one. We were not outplayed and that is a good thing. I think we did so well in the first (half) although I would have loved a different outcome in the second but the players performed well.”
Sports blogger, PoojaMedia, wrote on X, “Not good news about Sadiq Umar coming from Super Eagles camp as it was reported that he refused to shake Finidi cos he didn’t have playing time during both friendlies.
“With what he pulled off during AFCON, he should be careful. He is a good player, but attitude matters.”
