International Friendly: Finidi to tweak Eagles against Mali as Malians explain Bissouma snub

While two victories from as many games could help secure him the position of the Super Eagles coach, Finidi George has vowed to make a few changes when Nigeria faces Mali in their second international friendly game on Tuesday.

One of the suitors vying for the Eagles job after the position was declared vacant by the Nigeria Football Federation since the departure of Jose Peseiro last month, Finidi was handed the job on an interim basis ahead of the international window and the Enyimba tactician started on a winning note with a 2-1 win over arch-rivals Ghana on Friday.

The win at the Grande Stade de Marrakech in Morocco was Nigeria’s first win over Ghana in 18 years.

Against the Black Stars, Finidi stuck to the 3-4-3 formation Peseiro used at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, albeit with different players.

The former Eagles player made seven changes to the team that lost 2-1 in the AFCON final to Ivory Coast with Cyriel Dessers, Chidozie Awziem, Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Bruno Onyemaechi all returning to the team while it was a debut start for Benjamin Tanimu.

Speaking ahead of their next fixtures against Mali on Tuesday, Finidi has promised to make more changes to the team.

“We are going to see new players. We cannot overload the players. Some will come in, and we will see the areas where they can help,” Finidi said per NFF TV.

The three-time African champions will face Mali at the Grande Stade de Marrakech in Morocco on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, coach of the Malian national team, Eric Chelle has revealed why he snubbed highly rated Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, Yves Bissouma for the international friendlies against Mauritania and Nigeria.

There were rumours that Yves Bissouma was nursing an injury but the coach says otherwise.

Before Mali’s squad announcement, Tottenham boss, Ange Postecoglou named the midfielder in his starting lineup for the London derby at Fulham.

After the Africa Cup of Nations, the player was accused of a lack of dedication while playing for Mali.

The coach claimed that other midfielders are enjoying a better run of form than Bissouma.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the friendly games, Chelle said, “Like many players, he deserves to be selected, it’s just a choice.

“In my diamond, there are players right now who are slightly safer. That doesn’t mean he won’t be called again.”

Meanwhile, the midfielder has unfollowed the Fédération Malienne de Football on Instagram and has also deleted all pictures of himself wearing the Mali jersey from his account.