By Michael Madyira
As Bafana Bafana take on Andorra today in an international friendly, Nigeria has arranged blockbuster matches as preparation to meet the South Africans for the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles are in Morocco to face Ghana in a traditional Jollof Derby at Stade de Marrakech on Friday.
Four days later, Nigeria will be back at the same venue to meet the Eagles of Mali, who were the only team to beat Bafana in regulation time at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals.
Following the departure of coach Jose Peseiro, Nigeria will be under interim trainer Finidi George for the upcoming two friendlies, and the ex-winger stresses the importance of the assignments.
“Definitely these are very crucial games; as a coach there is responsibility,” George told the Nigeria Football Federation’s media department.
“You have to be calm and do your job, make sure you do it properly. We know a lot of Nigerians are watching so we want to make them proud.
“Afcon is gone so these are two games that are very crucial to Nigerians. We will take them seriously and make sure we get the best out of these games.”
George would want to impress in his caretaker capacity to boost his chances of getting a permanent job.
If he is appointed Nigeria coach, George’s first assignment will be against Bafana when the World Cup qualifiers resume in June.
The 52-year-old will lead his side without the services of injured Napoli forward Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi.
He will also be without Tyronne Ebuehi and newly called-up Luton Town defender Gabriel Osho, while Ghana had West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus pulling out of the friendly.
Pictured above: Nigeria players training in Marrakech on Wednesday.
Image source: Nigeria Football Federation
