2026 WCQ: Why Super Eagles must win their next two games - Finidi

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The coach of the senior national team of Nigeria, George Finidi, has explained why it is essential for the Super Eagles to win their next two 2026 World Cup qualifying games against South Africa and Benin Republic.

Finidi, who fielded questions from journalists during his visit to the Nigeria Football Federation’s office in Abuja, said that the World Cup qualification matches are a collective responsibility for all Nigerians.

He said he will do his best to ensure success and qualify for the World Cup, as he is also in touch with the players, and they are ready and willing to give their all after missing out on the last edition held in Qatar.

When asked how much he knows about Nigeria’s next two opponents, Finidi said that he has been following them in terms of knowledge about the teams.

“The World Cup qualification matches against South Africa and Benin Republic are a collective responsibility for all Nigerians. I know I am in charge now, and the heavy responsibility is on me to win the two World Cup matches,” Finidi told reporters.

“I will do my best to ensure success and qualify for the World Cup. I am also in touch with the players, and they are ready and willing to give their all after missing out on the last edition held in Qatar. In terms of having knowledge of our opponents, I have been following them.

WAFU TOURNEY: Garba clarifies why MRI tests disqualified some U-17 players

The coach of the U-17 national team of Nigeria, Manu Garba, has shed light on the recent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests that disqualified some players.

Garba, who opened up in a chat with thenff.com, said the genuine U-17 players who have successfully undergone the MRI tests are still in camp, preparing for the WAFU B U17 tournament.

According to the coach, when the camp opened last month, the very sincere football academies had to withdraw their players after the MRI tests they conducted showed that their players were in Grade 5.

He stated further that those who were not sincere and thought they could find a way through one way or another have been exposed after the NFF conducted its own MRI a few days ago.

“Let me clear the air on this matter. The genuine U17 players, according to their official document made available to the NFF and the MRI tests conducted by the football body, are still in the camp preparing for the WAFU B U17 tournament.

‘‘When the camp opened last month, the very sincere football academies had to withdraw their players after the MRI tests they conducted showed that their players were in Grade 5. These players had to leave the camp immediately.

“Those who were not sincere and thought they could find a way through one way or another have been exposed after the NFF conducted its own MRI a few days ago, and found the results earlier presented by their players before entering the camp did not tally with the requirements of the NFF.

”The NFF insists on players whose results are between Grade 1 – 4. Players on Grade 5 have been asked to leave the camp.