Super Eagles head coach Finidi George has defended his decision to leave Victor Boniface on the bench for the entire duration of the 1-1 draw with South Africa on Friday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Boniface, who was expected to start in place of the injured Victor Osimhen, was surprisingly not featured in the game, sparking questions from reporters.
Finidi George responded, "Allow us to do our jobs. We had a plan to introduce Boniface and Moffi, but Semi [Ajayi] had a knock and we had to take him off and bring on Moffi and Onyedika instead."
The coach's decision was seemingly influenced by the need to address an injury concern, rather than a tactical choice.
Finidi George also pushed back against external pressure, saying, "The fans and media would shout for different players, but if they don't perform well, the shout will be, 'Take him off.' Allow us to do our jobs."
The Super Eagles will face Benin Republic next on Monday, and Finidi George's squad selection will again be under scrutiny.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun