)
A brief on which Super Eagles players present as Finidi George's reign kicked off in Uyo.
Finidi George's highly anticipated tenure as Super Eagles head coach got off to a less-than-ideal start, with only 13 of his 23 called-up players present for the new boss' first training session in Uyo.
As the former Nigerian international put his charges through their paces ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa, a depleted Nigerian rank took to the field.
)
01:52 - 03.06.2024
Nigeria vs South Africa: Finidi George era begins with first training as Super Eagles feel the intensity
Nigeria's Finidi George officially started his Super Eagles reign after having his first training ahead of the FIFA WCQ clash against South Africa.
*PAY ATTENTION*: Join Pulse Sports Nigeria Whatsapp Channel Channel link
Depleted Super Eagles for Finidi George
Leading the way were the NPFL duo of Kenneth Igboke and Sodiq Ismail, who were joined by fellow newcomer Ibrahim Olawoyin in what looked to be an intense opening workout under George's watchful eye.
The session also featured the likes of Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface, Leicester City's Kelechi Iheanacho, and Samuel Chukwueze, while goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Olorunleke Ojo marshalled the rearguard.
)
Raphael Onyedika, Terem Moffi, and Benjamin Tanimu were the other notable names to heed the call for George's first training camp.
However, the new Super Eagles boss will have been left wanting more bodies on the ground, with key players like Ademola Lookman and Maduka Okoye among the absentees yet to link up with the squad.
)
In a further blow, defenders Chidozie Awaziem and Yusuf Alhassan were forced to train separately from the main group, compounding George's selection headache ahead of the crunch South Africa clash.
Despite the depleted ranks, George wasted no time in stamping his authority, putting his present players through a gruelling session via one of his assistants, Chima Onyeike, that left little doubt about the intensity he expects from his new charges.
With the Super Eagles revolution kicking into gear, the former winger will be hoping for a full complement of troops on the ground sooner rather than later, allowing him to truly mould his squad ahead of their World Cup qualification bid.
Related content
)
21:48 - 02.06.2024
Ekong, Siasia, Sabinus, Falz and other celebrities struggle with new national anthem during charity football match
Super Eagles captain William Troost Ekong and his guests at the exhibition match to launch his foundation struggled with the new Nigerian national anthem.
)
17:46 - 01.06.2024
Yoruba people are loud — Super Eagles Alex Iwobi reveals what he likes most about Nigerians
Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi revealed the Nigerian trait he loves the most.
)
11:26 - 31.05.2024
SUPER EAGLES No Space for Lookman as Victor Osimhen headlines Top 10 Highest-paid players of 2024
Pulse Sports reveals the Top 10 highest-paid Super Eagles stars in 2024.
)
06:10 - 31.05.2024
Troost-Ekong: Nigerian footballers' European success inspiring 'winners' mentality' in the Super Eagles
William Troost-Ekong is excited by Nigerian players' European success this season and has set a target of AFCON glory for the Super Eagles.
)
12:40 - 30.05.2024
Ibrahim Olawoyin: Ex-Rangers and NPFL star gets Finidi George's call to replace Bayer Leverkusen forward for WCQ
Former Rangers man Ibrahim Olawoyin finally gets his Super Eagles chance after Finidi George called him to replace Bayer Leverkusen star.
)
11:24 - 30.05.2024
Lookman, Osimhen, Boniface snubbed as Jude Bellingham top list of 'world's most valuable' footballers
Ballon d'Or favourite Bellingham has maintained his lead as the world's most valuable footballer in 2024, ahead of the Champions League final this weekend.
)
07:32 - 30.05.2024
59-year-old coach linked with the Super Eagles relegates club in Saudi Arabia after conceding 87 goals
The famous manager never hid his desire to manage the Super Eagles while he struggled in the Saudi Arabia Pro League.
)
06:18 - 30.05.2024
Super Eagles: Kenneth Igboke pays tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo with 'Siu' after heartwarming guard of honour from Antelopes
NPFL side Rangers International organised a guard of honour for Kenneth Igboke and the Super Eagles star celebrated with Cristiano Ronaldo's trademark siu.
)
05:44 - 30.05.2024
Dream come true - Super Eagles new boy Kenneth Igboke reacts to Finidi George's call
Kenneth Igboke is the second player from the NPFL to get his first call to the Super Eagles from Finidi George.
)
17:28 - 29.05.2024
Nigeria to sing new national anthem in WCQ clash against South Africa and Benin Republic
Fans of Nigerian sports teams will hear a different anthem during international competitions, as president Tinubu has signed a bill to change Arise O' Compatriots into law.
)
09:10 - 29.05.2024
The real reason Finidi George's Super Eagles may not play AFCON 2025
African football is in turmoil as WAFCON 2024 and AFCON 2025 face uncertain futures that could hamper Finidi George's Super Eagles dream.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)