“The first time Nigeria has beaten Ghana since 2006. It’s been a long time coming. How do you feel? How excited are you?”
These were the questions from the interviewer to Nigeria’s interim head coach Finidi George after Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Ghana on Friday in Morocco.
“I feel happy. it’s not easy, you know the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana. So coming here to win this game is a good one for us,” replied Finidi George.
Flashback to Monday 23rd January 2006 when Taye Taiwo’s 86th-minute powerful strike beat the impressive Sammy Adjei to give Nigeria a 1-0 win over Ghana in the 2006 AFCON. That was the last time Nigeria ever defeated the Black Stars in any competition including international friendlies.
Nigeria in Marrakech in Morocco defeated the Black Stars 2-1 with goals from Cyriel Dessers and Ademola Lookman condemning Ghana to defeat. Jordan Ayew’s late penalty was a mere consolation for Ghana. It is 18 good years since Nigeria defeated Ghana so Finidi George and Nigeria need to celebrate.
Finidi George will play against Mali on Tuesday and a win can help him coach Nigeria in June as it is rumoured for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa.
The interim manager stuck to Jose Peseiro’s tactics and formation against Ghana on Friday and it truly paid off.
