Nigeria’s head coach, Finidi George, has clarified his decision not to field promising striker Victor Boniface in Friday night’s 1-1 draw against South Africa.
Despite plans to bring Boniface off the bench, Finidi explained that the circumstances on the field necessitated a change in strategy.
“We thought about bringing him in, he was supposed to come in, but when we had Ajayi complain that he couldn’t continue, we had to reverse that,” Finidi acknowledged in a post-match interview on Friday.
The coach noted a tactical shift that led to Boniface’s exclusion from the match. However, Finidi reassured fans that the talented forward’s opportunity might come soon. “We have another game definitely if he’s up and doing he’s going to play,” he stated.
Addressing criticism and demands regarding player selections, Finidi emphasized the importance of on-field performance over external pressures.
“For me, it’s what you can give to me on the field of play. Everybody wants this player or that player to play, but at the end of the day, if the player is not performing, you guys will still be shouting take him off, so let us do our job. We know who is good to go,” Finidi declared.
On Friday, the Super Eagles played a 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifier. Themba Zwane of South Africa opened the scoring in the 29th minute of the match held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Equalizing after a superb turn, Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru slotted in a low shot to the edge of the post in the 46th minute, bringing the match to a stalemate.
The results place Nigeria fifth in a table of six teams after three matches in the 10-match competition. The Super Eagles have drawn all three of their games so far.
The group winners will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Additionally, the four best-ranked runners-up will enter play-offs, and the winners of these play-offs will participate in an inter-continental tournament where six nations will compete for two spots.
This match marked Finidi George’s debut as Super Eagles coach. Looking ahead, the Super Eagles will travel to Abidjan to face third-placed Benin on June 10, a match that will be crucial for Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
