Talks surrounding the performance and how well Finidi George handled the Nigerian team as the interim coach continue to reverberate across Nigeria’s footballing community.
The 52-year-old, currently saddled with the responsibility of leading the team until a permanent head coach is named by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), recently oversaw two fixtures against Ghana and Mali.
However, while many fans and stakeholders have continued to scrutinise and air their opinions regarding the prowess and ability of the former Real Betis star to coach the Super Eagles team, a report of a rift between a select group of players and the interim coach has surfaced.
Super Eagles players unhappy with Finidi
According to a report from media outlet Brila.net, select players of the Nigerian team, including Sadiq Umar and two others who remain unidentified, are reportedly displeased with the interim coach.
The report highlights that their displeasure stems from being unused in both fixtures the Super Eagles played during the March international window.
Specifically, the report notes that Sadiq declined a handshake from coach Finidi and stormed off the pitch after being left on the bench for the entire encounter against Ghana.
The Real Sociedad star, who missed out on the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) due to injury, has struggled to find form this season. According to data from Fotmob, the Nigerian striker has only scored three goals in his 35 appearances so far this season.
This reported rift within the Nigerian team camp comes shortly after a number of Super Eagles players, including Kenneth Omeruo and Kelechi Iheanacho, openly backed coach Finidi to continue as manager of the team and expressed overall satisfaction with his leadership.
Adepoju backs Finidi
In a recent report, Sports Brief stated that former Nigerian midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju has backed Coach Finidi.
The former Real Madrid midfielder emphasised the importance of continuity for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and urged the federation to stick with the 52-year-old.
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