By Seyi Babalola
The rationale behind Super Eagles interim head coach Finidi George’s choice to switch up the formation during Friday night’s 2-1 victory over the Ghanaian Black Stars was disclosed.
At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, the three-time African champions used a 3-4-3 formation in six of their seven games.
In contrast, Finidi used a 3-5-2 shape in the match against the Black Stars.
“We didn’t keep the same (the 3-4-3 formation at AFCON 2023), we played with a 3-5-2. At the AFCON, we saw only Victor Osimhen upfront and we felt he was doing so much alone,” the former winger said after the game.
“So I wanted some other players to do the job. At least pairing two players upfront. You see when a player gets the ball there is an opportunity to pass. We have to risk it but we have to get something going forward.”
The Super Eagles will face the Eagles of Mali in their next friendly at the Grand Stade de Marrakech next Tuesday.
