Eight things Super Eagles interim boss Finidi must do to avoid defeat against Mali 

Nigeria's hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ghana last Friday offered a glimpse into the potential of the Super Eagles under interim coach Finidi George.

However, the match also exposed areas for improvement if they are to overcome Mali in their final international friendly on Tuesday.

Allnigeriasoccer.com takes a look at eight key tactical tweaks for Finidi George to consider as he prepares his team:

1. Maintain Defensive Solidity: 

While the backline held firm against Ghana, lapses in concentration at the closing stages almost proved costly. Finidi needs to ensure improved communication and positional awareness to prevent similar vulnerabilities against a potentially more potent Malian attack.

2. Exploit the Flanks:

Ademola Lookman's second half inclusion on the wing was a tactical masterstroke. His pace and precision were pivotal in wreaking havoc on the Black Stars and eventually getting Nigeria's second goal.

Finidi must replicate this strategy and utilize the width of the pitch to exploit potential weaknesses in the Malian defense.

3. Sharpen the Finishing: 

While Nigeria created some decent scoring opportunities against Ghana, their finishing could have been more clinical.

Finidi should dedicate training sessions to improving attacking efficiency and ensuring clear-cut chances are converted.

4. Refine Set-Piece Routines:

Set-pieces continue to be an underutilized weapon for the Super Eagles. Investing time in perfecting set-piece routines could unlock valuable goalscoring opportunities against Mali. 

5. Maximize Wilfred Ndidi's Influence:

Ndidi's defensive dominance was a key factor in stifling Ghana's attack. Finidi needs to strategically position Ndidi to maximize his ball-winning abilities and allow him to initiate attacks from deep midfield positions.

6. Integrate New Players Seamlessly:

The inclusion of Tanzanian premier league newbie Benjamin Tanimu, demonstrated the value of integrating fresh talent.

Finidi should continue experimenting with new players while ensuring tactical cohesion within the squad.

7. Build a Stronger Midfield Partnership:

While Ndidi excelled, the midfield lacked a complimentary spark alongside him. Finidi needs to identify a player who can complement Ndidi's defensive prowess with attacking vision and wide area midfield coverage.

8. Develop a Winning Mentality:

Despite the victory, the Super Eagles seemed somewhat hesitant at times against Ghana. Finidi needs to instill a winning mentality in the squad, fostering a belief that they can overcome any opponent, including Mali. 

By addressing these areas, Finidi George can build upon the positive aspects displayed against Ghana and steer the Super Eagles towards a successful conclusion to their international break.

The friendly against Mali is a valuable opportunity to implement these changes and test their effectiveness before facing tougher challenges in the future. 

Ejim Kaycee

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