Super Eagles assistant coach, Finidi George, has attributed the team’s victory over Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday, January 18, at the Africa Cup of Nations, to a tactical switch in formation. The match, held at the Alassane Outtara Stadium in Abidjan, saw Captain Troost-Ekong scoring a penalty kick after a VAR check confirmed a foul on Victor Osimhen by Ousmane Diomande.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Finidi expressed satisfaction with the victory but emphasized that the team must stay focused. He highlighted the tactical nature of the game against the hosts, commending the players for following instructions.
“We switched formation and had to defend most of the time and use counter-attacks from the flanks,” Finidi said. Recognizing the ball prowess of Cote d’Ivoire, he explained that the team chose to sit back, close spaces, and capitalize on counter-attacks.
Despite the win, Finidi emphasized the need for the squad to remain grounded and work even harder in the upcoming match against Guinea-Bissau on Monday. He stressed that nothing had been achieved yet and urged the team to approach the next game with the same determination.
The Super Eagles, currently occupying the second spot in Group A, will face Guinea-Bissau at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan for their third and final Group A match on Monday at 5 pm.
