Finidi George has provided insight into why his tenure as head coach of the Super Eagles did not succeed.
Having assumed the role on an interim basis in March of this year, Finidi managed the team in friendly matches against Ghana and Mali.
He was later appointed as the permanent head coach of the three-time African champions.
Finidi has now moved on to coach Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club, Rivers United, and has taken a moment to look back on his time with the Super Eagles.
“Most players didn’t show up. The intensity in friendly matches often differs from crucial qualifiers,” Finidi told Sports Boom.
“I wanted us to open the camp (ahead qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic) a little bit earlier because we knew the season had come to an end, so the FA accepted, but later they changed their minds.
“I wanted the team camp to open on the 26th of May, but they said it’s not going to be possible because some players were already on holidays, which was very strange to me. Most players were coming from their vacation places to the camp very late.
“So, if you are at that big stage, if you’re not fit enough, no matter the tactics, you can’t give your best. The concentration was not there leading to conceding easy goals.“
