Former Super Eagles winger Finidi George began his tenure as interim manager of the national team with a 2-1 win over Ghana in an international friendly in Marrakech on Friday evening.
The Enyimba manager was appointed to head the national team on an interim basis having served as an assistant manager to previous coach Jose Peseiro.
Finidi started with some of the players that featured during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations including Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Stanley Nwabali and Bright Osayi-Samuel. There was a return and start for Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi after missing the AFCON tournament during injury.
The Super Eagles started the game brightly, having more chances and possession and got the opening goal in the 38th minute when Cyriel Dessers scored a penalty after a handball incident inside the box. It was the Rangers’ forward second international goal in his fifth cap and first cap since September 2022.
Ghana were reduced to 10 men after Jerome Opoku received a straight red card in the 56th minute.
The Black Stars held possession despite their numerical disadvantage and pushed for an equaliser. The Super Eagles backline were however able to contain their threat with goalkeeper Nwabali making some brilliant saves.
Finidi’s men put the game beyond doubt when Ademola Lookman found the back of the net in the 84th minute.
FULL-TIME: Nigeria ???????? 2-1 Ghana ????????
⚽Cyriel Dessers ????????
⚽ Ademola Lookman ????????
⚽ Jordan Ayew ????????#Afrosport #Nigeria #SuperEagles #Ghana #AfricanFootball pic.twitter.com/pD5wu3vZpY— AfroSport (@AfroSportTV) March 22, 2024
Otto Addo’s side were able to get one back in added time thanks to Crystal Palace Jordan Ayew’s conversation from the penalty spot.
Nigeria will take on Mali in another friendly still in Marrakech next Tuesday.
