VAR not used in WCQs: Finidi cites two instances Super Eagles were denied potential goals
Published: June 08, 2024![VAR not used in WCQs: Finidi cites two instances Super Eagles were denied potential goals](../football_pics/6177TDB1.jpg)
Finidi George was left to rue the absence of the video assistant referee (VAR) during his side's 1-1 draw against South Africa in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday night.
The 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner felt hard done by, citing two instances in which the Super Eagles were denied potential goals due to the on-field decisions by Chadian referee Alhadi Allaou Mahamat.
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mothobi Mvala, the same player that brought down Victor Osimhen in the box in the semifinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, resulting in a penalty, was at it again shortly before the hour mark when he savagely fouled Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Mvala's foul on Dele-Bashiru went unpunished and the Super Eagles midfielder's substitution shortly afterwards added insult to injury.
Later in the 75th minute, the lively Samuel Chukwueze missed a glorious chance to score the game-winning goal when his effort came off the woodwork.
Although television replays clearly showed the ball did not cross the line, Finidi emphasized that goal-line technology would have definitely determined whether the ball went in.
Asked for his opinion on the penalty call not given and Fifa introducing VAR in African Fifa World Cup qualifiers going forward, Finidi responded: "We all saw the AFCON, where it was used properly. Even the Europeans were applauding the AFCON where calls were mad correctly.
"I don't understand why in the qualifiers like this where everything counts we couldn't have a play properly checked for us to know if a goal has been scored or not.
"The Chukwueze ball, from where I was standing I don't know if it crossed the line but if we had VAR that would have given us a better view. I'm just the coach, I can't change the rules of Fifa and CAF."
With the Super Eagles next match in the World Cup qualifiers coming in two days, against Gernot Rohr's Benin in Abidjan, they have to get over the draw quickly and focus on their next game.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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
- Falconets player ratings v Venezuela: Okwuchukwu, Sabastine stars in the making; Omilana, Alani excel
- U20 WWC: Five takeaways as Falconets make a statement with big win against Venezuela
- U20 WWC Venezuela 0 Nigeria 4: Bello, Okwuchukwu, Sabastine, Igbokwe goals send Falconets into round of 16
- Chelsea, Tottenham considered signing Super Eagles-eligible LB who scored 47 seconds into Denmark debut
- Super Eagles player ratings: Lookman standout; Osimhen home again; Troost-Ekong, Ajayi reliable; Ndidi solid
- 2025 Afconq: Boniface under scrutiny and four other observations from Super Eagles win v Cheetahs
- Nigeria 3 Benin 0: Lookman brace and Osimhen acrobatic goal give Super Eagles a comfortable win
- Super Eagles starting XI: Iwobi, Ndidi, Onyemaechi, Chukwueze, Lookman start; Dele-Bashiru, Simon bench
- 'You see the best' - Ex-Nigeria defender Elijah admits Super Eagles shine brightest when written off
- 'They have to forget they are a bit Nigerian' - Rohr sends message to Olaitan, Aiyegun ahead of Afconq
![As featured on NewsNow: Football News](pics/newsnow_ab.gif)
![Hire the right candidates on MyJobMag](https://www.myjobmag.com/images/recruit-ad1.png)
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- okvip ing
- Women's Football