Finidi George, the head coach of Nigeria's Super Eagles, clarified his decision not to play striker Victor Boniface in Friday's World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
In a post-match interview, Finidi revealed that the initial plan to bring Boniface off the bench was disrupted due to an injury concern. "We considered bringing him on, but when Ajayi reported he couldn't continue, we had to adjust," Finidi explained.
The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, saw South Africa's Themba Zwane scoring first in the 29th minute. Nigeria's Fisayo Dele-Bashiru equalized in the 46th minute with a well-placed shot. Despite several attempts from both sides, the game concluded without further goals at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Finidi reassured fans that Boniface would have opportunities in future games. "We have another game coming up. If he's ready, he'll play," he stated.
Addressing criticisms regarding player selection, Finidi emphasized the importance of in-game performance. "It's about what players deliver on the field. Everyone has their opinions, but ultimately, we make decisions based on performance," he said.
The draw leaves Nigeria fifth in their qualifying group after three matches, all of which have ended in draws. The team aims to improve their standings as they prepare to face Benin in Abidjan on June 10.
This match marked Finidi George's debut as the Super Eagles coach, as Nigeria continues its quest for a spot in the 2026 World Cup set to be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The group winners will qualify directly, while the best four runners-up will enter playoffs for a chance to compete in an inter-continental tournament for two additional spots.
