Although all the Super Eagles could secure in their World Cup qualifier match against South Africa on Friday was a 1-1 draw, their coach, Finidi George, has urged Nigerians to allow him do his job.
He wants them to give him the respect and freedom to choose his players based on his professional conviction.
Many were particularly expecting him to field Victor Boniface in the match played at Uyo but he said he couldn’t due to an un-envisaged change in tactics.
He said after the match: “We thought about bringing him in, he was supposed to come in, but when we had Ajayi complain that he couldn’t continue, we had to reverse that.
“For me, it’s what you can give to me on the field of play. Everybody wants this player or that player to play, but at the end of the day, if the player is not performing, you guys will still be shouting take him off, so let us do our job. We know who is good to go,” Finidi declared.
Themba Zwane of South Africa opened the scoresheet in the 29th minute of the match played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Equalising after a superb turn, Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru slotted in a low shot to the edge of the post in the 46th minute.
