Nigeria vs Ghana: Finidi George set for first game as coach

Former Super Eagles winger, Finidi George has been appointed as the interim manager for the senior national team by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

This means the former assistant coach will lead the Super Eagles when they face West African rivals Ghana in a friendly in Marrakech on Friday.

The 52-year-old will also take charge of the game against, Mali.

George in his playing days laced his boots for Ajax Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and Real Betis (Spain) and made his scoring debut for Nigeria in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Burkina Faso at the National Stadium, Lagos on 27th July 1991.

He will hope to impress millions of football fans when he takes up the reign in the coming days.

George was instrumental to coach Portuguese José Santos Peseiro's backroom staff as they led the Eagles to runner-up position at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire earlier in the year.

Several reports indicate 12 of the 22 players expected have arrived in camp already.

Goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Olorunleke Ojo, defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Jamilu Collins, Bruno Onyemaechi and Benjamin Tanimo, midfielders Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika and Alhassan Yusuf, and forwards Moses Simon, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Sadiq Umar and Ademola Lookman are already at the Adam Park Hotel in Marrakech at the time of filing this report.

Defenders Gabriel Osho and Tyronne Ebuehi, and forwards Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi having been ruled out by injury.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defender Chidozie Awaziem, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi, and forward Kelechi Iheanacho were expected in Marrakech by Tuesday. Only Turkey-based defender Bright Osayi-Samuel is being expected on Wednesday.

The African vice champions will also take on the Les Aigles of Mali at the same Grand Stade de Marrakech on Tuesday, 26th March.