Super Eagles assistant coach, Finidi George, has revealed that a tactical switch in formation earned the team victory over Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday January 18, at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
Captain Troost-Ekong found the net through a penalty kick after Ousmane Diomande was adjudged to have fouled Victor Osimhen following a VAR check at the Alassane Outtara Stadium in Abidjan.
After the match, Finidi told the News Agency of Nigeria that the boys played to instructions in a very tactical game against the hosts.
“We are very happy with the victory but nothing has been done yet.
“It was a tactical game, we switched formation and had to defend most of the time and use counter-attacks from the flanks.
“It’s a team (Cote d’Ivoire) that is very good on the ball, so we had to sit back a bit, close the spaces and go on counter-attacks,” he said.
Despite the win, Finidi said the squad will not get carried away but will work harder in their next match against Guinea-Bissau on Monday.
“We will keep our cool in the next match because nothing has been achieved yet, we go all out again,” he said.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria who are currently second in Group A will face Guinea-Bissau on Monday at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan for their third and final round of Group A matches from 5pm.
