Finidi drops major starting lineup hint by revealing who will captain Super Eagles in friendly v Black Stars

Nigeria's interim boss Finidi George has dropped a major hint regarding his starting lineup for Friday evening's international friendly against Ghana's Black Stars at Stade de Marrakech.

Super Eagles substantive captain Ahmed Musa is inactive these days and has not been called up for the training camp in Morocco and the same applies to his deputy William Troost-Ekong who is not available for selection due to an injury he suffered at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Senior players Kenneth Omeruo and Moses Simon had worn the armband previously but are not guaranteed starters for the national team.

Finidi has revealed that a Leicester City player will certainly wear the armband against the Black Stars, fueling speculation that the armband would go to Ndidi if the defensive midfielder is named in the starting lineup.

Ndidi skippered the Super Eagles in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Guinea-Bissau and São Tomé and Príncipe despite Iheanacho playing from the off.

When asked who will captain the Super Eagles in the friendly versus Ghana, Finidi responded: "Ndidi is there or Kelechi.Definitely, we want to win it"

The preparation for the clash against Ghana has been affected by the injuries to strikers Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi while the duo of Gabriel Osho and Tyronne Ebuehi will miss the tie.

Despite the absentees, the Super Eagles should still have enough to avoid a defeat against one of their fiercest rivals on the continent.

Asked about whether he is focused on getting a good performance or result against the Black Stars, George revealed his objective for the encounter

"Tactics, we are not changing much, just add a little bit of few elements we think will help players with energy. 

"We will be very, very tactical and see how we can win the ball as quick as possible, that is what we will do tomorrow and I hope it is going to work."

The 52-year-old will be taking charge for the Super Eagles for the first time and will be hoping to get a good result.

He also declared that the team is ready for the clash, stating that the players are aware of the rivalry between both nations.

"They are prepared. They know what is at stake, that  rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana is always there and it is an extra motivation for the players.

"I think we are good to go, the players are ready, they know what is at stake. We just want to have a good game and hopefully, God being on our side, we will win."

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com