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After a third 1-1 draw on the bounce, Nigeria coach Finidi George must come up against his predecessor Gernot Rohr when they take on Benin in World Cup qualifiers on Monday.
Sitting a surprising second from bottom in a six-team group, the Super Eagles must win against Benin if they are to keep any chances of qualification alive.
It was an underwhelming performance against South Africa last week, especially a first half that was so dire that the only positive was that they only conceded once.
It was a much improved second half, and the Eagles should have edged it by at least a goal. But that rejuvenated half has Finidi in a better state of mind for Monday.
“The South Africa game is gone. We have learnt from it, and we just have to see how we can get ourselves to have that fantastic second half that we had. If we can start that way, we have a chance,” said the former winger.
Standing in Nigeria’s way is their former coach Rohr, the man who was fired by the NFF ahead of the 2021 Afcon and just before the final round of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, despite a flawless qualifying record.
If the German has any ill-feeling towards Nigeria, he is certainly keeping it well concealed, telling ESPN: “My focus is on Benin now, not Nigeria.
“The World Cup is a very important competition, and we have a chance to make a surprise.
“I might have mentioned Nigeria to the players maybe one time or two times already, of course. But we have to think first about Benin, not about Nigeria.”
On arrival in the Côte d’Ivoire capital Abidjan where the game will be played, George told local media the team have resolved to turn things around.
“We’re very much aware of why we are here and what we have to do,” he said. “The players want to go to the World Cup and they have resolved to give their all in every game going forward.
“We had our opportunities against South Africa on Friday and should have won, but that is gone and we face another challenge now.
“We have resolved not to look too far ahead in this race. The essence is to take it one match at a time. Benin Republic is in our front now, and we must deal with that squarely.”
At least they will be on happy hunting grounds when they play, as they return to the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, where they won all three matches there during the Africa Cup of Nations earlier in the year.
George is still sweating on the fitness of Thursday’s star man Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who went off after a knock. There is also some concern about the availability of defender Semi Ajayi, who asked to be subbed off after picking a niggle late in the game.
With only six defenders in the squad, Ajayi would be a major loss for Finidi. Both players are facing late fitness tests, but officials are positive they will be available to play some part at least.
