SCORENigeria can exclusively report that Finidi George may have got off on a controversial note as new Super Eagles coach after his choice of Abuja for the team to train ahead of an epic 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
The Super Eagles take on Bafana Bafana of South Africa on June 7 in Uyo in a must-win World Cup qualifier.
However, it has now been gathered that the Super Eagles will open training camp on May 28 in Abuja and it is from there they will fly out to Uyo for the crunch game.
The choice of Abuja could be because of logistical considerations like easy local and international flight connections.
However, many observers insist that this may be a wrong move as the team will be distracted in the nation’s capital city.
They also argue that it would be better for the Super Eagles to familiarise themselves with the pitch at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where they will welcome South Africa.
After the South Africa match, the Super Eagles will then fly out to Abidjan for a second World Cup qualifier against Benin.
Nigeria are third in Group C with two points after two rounds of matches.
South Africa are second on three points, while Benin are bottom on a point.
Rwanda lead the group on four points, while both Lesotho and Zimbabwe have recorded two points each.
The overall winners of the group will qualify for the 2026 World Cup to be hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.
Hahaha between Abuja and Uyo where the attractions? Abuja ke? Uyo has more distractions anyway- if you know you know.
Good advice to go and KNOW the pitch there. THIS is the only only advantage available to us! Are they moronic to stay in Abuja just because of ease of flight connections? 👍
These guys hardly use their heads while making strategic decisions. If you are going to play a critical match in a certain city, get acclimatized to the city and it’s turf, so you don’t end up playing on a turf you are not used to thereby losing the home advantage factor.