Super Eagles Coach Finidi George has faced backlash after Nigeria drew 1-1 with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match on Friday, June 7.
News Central reports that South Africa took the lead in the 29th minute through Themba Zwane, who skillfully manoeuvred past the Nigerian defense to score, leaving Stanley Nwabali, the Super Eagles’ goalkeeper, unable to stop the shot.
Following the draw, the Super Eagles remain winless in three games of their qualifying campaign and are currently in fifth position, with their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup hanging in the balance.
Disappointed fans accused Finidi George of wrong team formation and failure to bring Victor Boniface onto the pitch.
Responding to the criticisms, Finidi stated that his actions were intentional, as he does not believe formation is crucial in football. He also described leaving Boniface out of the game as a “tactical decision”.
In an after-match interview, Finidi also explained why Paul Onuachu stayed on the pitch longer, saying it was a deliberate choice.
“No one will tell me when to make changes. We will change the player when we want to change him. The crowd can be shouting.
“Everyone is a coach today; when you stand outside you see everything. It is like playing draft; when you stand outside, you see properly but when you sit there you don’t see anything.
“People can say what they want to say. We are focused on doing the job. We will take out a player when we know he can’t give anything else.
“Onuachu stayed longer in the game; it was our decision. That should not bother too many people,” he said.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Coach Finidi said he was looking forward to getting his first competitive win and wasn’t happy with the draw against South Africa.
Nigeria will play their next match, a rematch with former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, on Monday, June 10, in the Benin Republic.