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Super Eagles coach Finidi George is facing a backlash after he invited only two players from the NPFL to his first-ever squad.
Super Eagles coach Finidi George’s first squad for the key WCQ matches next month has caused several debates since its release after including just two NPFL players.
The new Super Eagles coach made public his 23-man squad for the all-important double-header against South Africa and Benin Republic in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Friday evening.
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20:07 - 24.05.2024
Finidi George names NPFL wing-back with 12 assists dubbed Nigerian Dani Alves in first Super Eagles squad
Super Eagles coach Finidi George has released his first squad ahead of the WCQ, with NPFL wing-back Ismail Sodiq included.
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However, Finidi's team was met with mixed reactions after NPFL stars, Sodiq Ismail of Remo Stars, and Enyimba’s goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo made the team
Why Finidi George invited 2 NPFL stars to the Super Eagles
The former Enyimba boss clarified his selection strategy, however, during a media parley in Lagos, just 24 hours before the squad was announced in his first window as coach.
The coach's remarks suggest that for his inaugural squad, he had opted to retain the core of the team that represented Nigeria at the recent Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON 2023, with only minor changes to introduce one or two new players.
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"We will have one or two new faces, but the majority of (the squad) will be players from the last AFCON,” Finidi told journalists on Thursday.
“Now, you have an idea of what's on my mind, what we want to do," the former assistant coach of the team added.
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This decision has sparked debates among Nigerian football fans, who have questioned the limited representation of NPFL players in the squad, given Finidi's background as a former coach in the domestic league.
Nevertheless, the new coach has stood firm in his approach, emphasizing the importance of continuity and building on the experience of the AFCON players as he prepares the Super Eagles for the crucial World Cup qualifiers.
With two crucial matches against South Africa and the Benin Republic early next month, all eyes will be on Finidi George and his ability to strike a balance between the familiar faces and the fresh talent from the NPFL, in a bid to secure Nigeria's place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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