Town midfielder Finidi George has described 2002 as a "nightmare" and implies that he feels joining Town was a mistake. He also hit out at Nigeria after being left out of their World Cup 23.

Looking back over the last year the man the Nigerians call Finito said: "I'm often asked if I should have left Mallorca. What with the national team and the Premiership, 2002 has been a nightmare.

"When I arrived in England I thought I'd have more chance of success but matters could not have gone any worse."

As for Nigeria, Finidi, along with former skipper Sunday Oliseh, appears to have been made a scapegoat after the players protested at the African Nations' Cup in Mali earlier this year.

An angry Finidi feels that he ought to have got the nod for Japan: "I really believe that I should have been picked for the World Cup.

Manager Adegboye Onigbinde took over from Shiabu Amodu after the African Nations' Cup and a number of high profile Nigeria players immediately fell from favour.

Finidi is unhappy with how Onigbinde has handled things: "I'm very disappointed with the way I've been treated. I've played for the national team for years and I at least expected more respect.

"I understand each coach chooses the players he wants but Nigeria haven't been fair with me. I haven't even been given an explanation."

With a some of the more experienced players missing Finidi doesn't expect his nation to do well in Japan: "I hope for the best but it will be a miracle if we reach the second round. I know the atmosphere in the squad is bad and that's going to harm us."

Nigeria join England, Sweden and Argentina in the Group of Death.

Finidi joined Town from Real Mallorca last summer for £3.1 million. After an impressive home debut against Derby he failed to settle, despite scoring Town's goal of the season against Sunderland. He has made 62 appearances for Nigeria.

Photo: Action Images

ian_marshall added 21:57 - May 21 Finindi wo oh finidi wo oh, he came from africa to drive a blue tractor!
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