In Friday’s international friendly in Marrakech, the Super Eagles take on West African foes Ghana, with former Nigerian forward Finidi George occupying the chief’s position in the dugout.

The 52-year-old former winger for Real Betis (Spain) and Ajax Amsterdam (The Netherlands) made his goal debut for his country on July 27, 1991, at the National Stadium in Lagos during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Burkina Faso.

The NFF has appointed him to take charge in the interim while a group of 22 players plays Ghana and Mali this month.

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In addition to playing for Calabar Rovers and Sharks FC in the domestic scene prior to travelling to Europe, George made his debut in 1991.

The renowned “goalsfather,” Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory), scored one goal and provided four assists for him.

On June 19, 1994, in Dallas, Texas, he also helped Yekini score Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal against Bulgaria.

In fact, George’s goal on October 8, 1993, in a pivotal qualifier in Algiers against hosts Algeria, was the one that sent Nigeria to her first FIFA World Cup finals.

Nigeria advanced to the American finals after the game finished 1-1.

George, who comes from a football-star family (his older brother Alari and younger brother Igeniwari, blessed memory, are both established players), will give orders from the touchline on Friday, 21 months after he started shadowing Portuguese José Santos Peseiro, who earlier in the year led the Eagles to second place in the 34th Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

Twelve of the twenty-two players who were scheduled to come in Morocco’s fourth-largest city had arrived as of Tuesday lunchtime.

Due to injuries, attackers Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi, as well as defenders Gabriel Osho and Tyronne Ebuehi, were not playing.

Midfielders Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, and Alhassan Yusuf, goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Olorunleke Ojo, defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Jamilu Collins, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Benjamin Tanimo, and forwards Moses Simon, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Sadiq Umar, and Ademola Lookman are all present at the team’s Adam Park Hotel in Marrakech.

Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defender Chidozie Awaziem, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi, and forward Kelechi Iheanacho were being expected in Marrakech by Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the only defender anticipated is Bright Osayi-Samuel, who is based in Turkey.

On Tuesday, March 26, at the same Grand Stade de Marrakech, the African vice champions will also play the Les Aigles of Mali.