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Super Eagles Interim boss Finidi George made a case for a permanent role after Nigeria triumphed over Ghana.
Finidi George took a potentially crucial first step towards staking his claim for the permanent Super Eagles head coach role by masterminding a hard-fought 2-1 friendly win over Ghana in Marrakech.
The former Ajax and Real Betis winger was handed the interim reins following the departure of Jose Peseiro after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final loss to Cote d’Ivoire.
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Flying Start For Finidi
The Nigerian legend gave the Nigerian Football Federation food for thought by leading his side to an impressive first victory over their fierce West African rivals in 18 years thanks to goals from Cyriel Dessers and super-sub Ademola Lookman.
It was the perfect start to George's audition for the permanent Super Eagles job as strikes in either half held off a 10-man stubborn Black Stars who finished the game strongly.
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For a coach thrown into the deep end on a temporary basis, there were plenty of promising signs for the 52-year-old in nullifying the Black Stars' threats before turning the game on its head.
The result ensured Nigeria ended an 18-year wait to get a win over their neighbours, a run that stretched back to 2006.
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Striking Reinforcements Make Impact
Nigeria dominated the first half and was rewarded when Dessers opened the scoring from 12 yards to put the Eagles deservedly in front at the break.
Finidi's substitutions after the break added more bite as Lookman, one of the subs, combined beautifully to double the lead for the Eagles.
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Ghana did fight back late on, with Crystal Palace’s Jordan Ayew netting a late consolation from the spot to make the final result more respectable.
This confidence-boosting success could convince the NFF that George is a worthy candidate as Peseiro's long-term successor.
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What's Next For Finidi?
For now, the former international winger will simply be delighted to have got his interim reign off to a winning start against one of the Super Eagles' biggest rivals.
But if George can back this up with more positive results and performances when Nigeria takes to the pitch against Mali in four days, he'll give the NFF serious food for thought over appointing him permanently.
This first audition certainly couldn't have gone much better as he made an early case for the full-time role. Over to the NFF to decide if they've seen enough already.
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