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With Nigeria facing a pivotal World Cup qualifying match against their erstwhile boss, the incumbent Super Eagles trainer could make these alterations after Friday’s 1-1 draw with South Africa.
As disappointing goes, Nigeria’s underwhelming start in World Cup qualifying takes the cake.
While the Super Eagles’ undefeated run continued, three consecutive draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa do minimal good to a side keen to participate in the 2026 finals after missing out in 2022.
That eventuality would be viewed as a disaster for the football-crazy nation, who have never been absent in back-to-back finals tournaments since their maiden appearance in 1994.
READ MORE - 2026 World Cup: Have the Super Eagles previously had false starts?
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09:03 - 08.06.2024
Benin Republic vs Nigeria: Time and where to watch Super Eagles face the Cheetahs in World Cup qualifiers
Everything you need to know about the Super Eagles' World Cup qualifying match against Benin Republic.
With progress secured in 2010 after 2006’s absence, it remains to be seen how Finidi George navigates the rest of qualifying after recently replacing Jose Peseiro.
Fortunately, the Super Eagles have not fallen significantly behind despite their dispiriting start, underlined by their three points being two shy of Group C leaders Lesotho and one behind Rwanda, Benin and South Africa.
Victory over the Cheetahs on Monday could take the three-time African champions top of the section, even if it would require the sides above them to drop points in the imminent round four games.
As World Cup qualifying nears its halfway point, Pulse Sports pick five alterations George must make to avoid losing more points against a manager that knows the Super Eagles all too well.
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00:31 - 08.06.2024
Let me do my job - Super Eagles coach Finidi George explains Victor Boniface snub after South Africa setback
Finidi George's reign as Super Eagles manager officially kicked off with a draw against South Africa in the WCQ.
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18:00 - 08.06.2024
‘That doesn't change anything'—Finidi not worried about Rohr’s knowledge of Super Eagles players
Nigeria’s new head coach, Finidi George, has said that he is not worried about Gernot Rohr’s knowledge of his players.
Drop Benjamin Tanimu
With the full-backs giving typically providing width against South Africa, starting Benjamin Tanimu at right-back meant the Ihefu defender was like a fish out of water due to those responsibilities.
Bright Osayi-Samuel could be moved to right-back with Kenneth Igboke, a natural left-back introduced. The highly-rated Ismaila Sodiq could also be introduced on the right if George persists with Osayi-Samuel at left-back.
Drop Kelechi Iheanacho
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This alteration could be an upshot of whatever George opts for at right-back. If a wide defender inclined to hug the touchline is preferred, Iheanacho could keep his spot in the side given that he plays optimally in central areas with a bias to drive into the right half-space.
Alternatively, the Super Eagles boss could keep Tanimu in the side and start Samuel Chukwueze at Iheanacho’s expense. While the AC Milan forward is arguably less influential when utilised as a winger, the former Villarreal man would be more suited to that role than the former Leicester City man.
Play through midfield. Refrain from a glut of long balls
Supporters complained about the willingness to bypass the team’s midfield in several instances at the Africa Cup of Nations, trusting Victor Osimhen’s tenacity to chase lost causes, and this shortcoming frustrated fans against South Africa.
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11:11 - 08.06.2024
‘I’m not happy’ - Finidi George dissatisfied with Super Eagles display against South Africa
Finidi George, the head coach of the Super Eagles, gave an honest evaluation of his team's performance during Friday's draw with South Africa.
George’s men have already shown their potential when they try to play through midfield, trusting their technical ability to bypass an opponent’s press. This was underscored by one of the Super Eagles’ goals against Ghana in March and intermittently evident last Friday.
Drop Paul Onuachu. Start Boniface or Moffi
While some may view Paul Onuachu as a safety net to avoid risks in their defensive third — due to the towering striker’s presence meaning the team feels inclined to leverage on his physicality — they do not sustain attacks as much and are far more limited.
Victor Boniface and Terem Moffi combine better with teammates than Onuachu, and starting either over the Southampton loanee offers more options to George’s side.
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20:16 - 05.06.2024
Which one is my brother? — Boniface snaps when asked about Lookman's Europa League triumph
Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface commented on losing the Europa League final to his compatriot, Ademola Lookman.
Revert to playing three at the back to unlock Lookman
Friday’s alteration to a back four surprised many observers who expected the Super Eagles to continue with the approach that saw them progress to the Cup of Nations final.
Even though Lookman’s underwhelming execution was more responsible for not finding the back of the net against Bafana Bafana, the Atalanta forward’s menace playing as a forward in several variations of a back three means George should lean on such methods for the time being.
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