Enyimba coach and Super Eagles assistant, Finidi George, has voiced confidence that players from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) can earn places in the squad for the double‑header 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Guinea‑Bissau on 24 and 27 March. The team’s players and officials are expected to reconvene in Abuja next week to begin preparations, although head coach José Peseiro has not yet released his final list.
Finidi, who also manages eight‑time NPFL champions Enyimba, emphasized that the league boasts talent capable of contributing to the national side. “As assistant coaches of the Super Eagles, our job is to support the head coach. If we see players who are good enough to make an impact—not just attend camp but actually influence the game—we will advise Peseiro accordingly and ensure we get the best out of them,” he told our correspondent.
The 1994 AFCON winner dismissed the idea of selecting only home‑based players for the Guinea‑Bissau matches, insisting that a blend of domestic and overseas talent strengthens the team. “If necessary, we must mix the squad, bringing in both home‑based and abroad‑based players to achieve the result. Excluding all foreign‑based players is not a good idea. When we identify capable players, we will give them the opportunity. It’s always beneficial to combine the two groups and see how it works,” he added.
Meanwhile, Guinea‑Bissau head coach Baciro Cande has announced a 25‑man squad for the fixtures against Nigeria. Notable names include CD Feirense forward Esmiraldo Sa da Silva, Waregem’s Zinho Gano, and Reading midfielder Mamadi Camara. The Djurtus will begin their camp on Sunday, travel to Abuja two days later, and face Nigeria at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on 24 March. The return leg will be played at the Nacional 24 de Setembro Stadium in Bissau on 27 March.
Comments are closed for this story.