'One hundred percent' - Finidi reveals he has the full support of Super Eagles players ahead of WCQ

Super Eagles coach Finidi George and Wilfred Ndidi were on media duties at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan on the eve of Nigeria's crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Republic of Benin's Cheetahs. 

 Nigeria, who have an array of stars playing for top European clubs, have made a sluggish start to the World Cup qualifiers as they are winless after three matches on the bounce, including two played at home. 

For the internationals in June, Findid is without reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen as well as Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella who pulled out of the squad citing injury and personal reasons respectively. 

Amid doubts about the players' commitment, Finidi has emphasized that he has the support of the Super Eagles team.

When questioned by veteran Nigerian sports journalist Callistus Ebare of Africa Independent Television about whether he has his players' support, Finidi responded: "One hundred percent. We have been working together, they want to win. This is not only about the coach, it's about Nigeria.

"They have my back so I'm not worried about that. They know what is at stake and then they will do the job tomorrow."

Finidi revealed that the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finalists are gunning for their first win of the World Cup qualifiers against Benin's Cheetahs after coming from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw in three games in a row. 

"Every team wants to win, Benin wants to win, we also want to win. What happened at the Africa Cup of Nations doesn't count, this time around this is World Cup qualifiers and the mentality must be different so we approach the game with every seriousness and see how we can win.

"They want to win as well so. Tomorrow is the D-Day, we'll just come out and play and do our best to make sure we win it."

Nigeria have an unbeaten record against Benin, winning 12 of their fourteen previous encounters while drawing two. 

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