Finidi George Urges Super Eagles to Focus on Benin Clash After Disappointing Draw with South Africa

Super Eagles head coach Finidi George emphasized the need for his team to move past Friday’s disappointing draw against South Africa and focus on their upcoming match against Benin Republic.

The West Africans managed a 1-1 draw with South Africa in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Uyo. Thembo Zwane scored first for South Africa, but Hatayspor midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru equalized for the Super Eagles early in the second half.

This draw marks the Super Eagles’ third consecutive tie in the qualifiers, leaving them in fifth place in Group C.

Finidi acknowledged his team’s sluggish start but praised their improved performance in the second half. “We started sloppily in the first half, but we took control of the game immediately and scored in the second half,” he told reporters. “We missed chances, and while it wasn’t the best result we wanted, we have to keep our heads up and prepare for the next game against Benin Republic. I am not happy about the point.”

The Super Eagles will face Benin Republic at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Monday.