Town midfielder Finidi George has repeated his desire to retire from international football after this summer's World Cup. The 30-year-old plays his last game for Town tomorrow before he joins the Nigeria squad ahead of this month's African Nations' Cup.
Finidi, who stated his desire to hang up his international boots even before joining Town, says that he wants to go out in a blaze of glory: "I hope that I'll end my career with the Super Eagles after the World Cup. But I want to retire on a high note."
This could prove tricky as Nigeria join England, Argentina and Sweden in the Group of Death. Prior to that though he hopes his Nigerian side can do well in the African Nations' Cup in Mali: "I still have the desire to give my best and I want to win this Nations' Cup. My mates and myself are not going there for fun."
Finidi has already won one African Nations' Cup, in Tunisia back in 1994. It is something he always remembers: "Having that gold medal on my neck Tunis is something I cannot forget. It was a dream come true. Since then, we have had our critics but we have to perform and win again."
The Nigerians have also faced disappointment too. In 2000 they lost out to Cameroon on penalties after a controversial incident where a legitmate goal was ruled not to have crossed the line. Finidi recalls: "Losing that match was very painful and as far as I'm concerned, we were robbed. At a crucial moment like that, when a trophy is at stake, referee and linesmen should not make mistakes."
Nigeria play their Group A games in Bakamo's main stadium and face Mali, Liberia and Algeria, with their first game on January 19th.
Expectations in Nigeria are very high with a lot of pressure on manager Shuaibu Amodu and his squad. The Nigerians have, however, had little preparation since qualifying for the World Cup in August. Two friendlies, including one against Japan at Southampton, are the only games they have played recently.
In addition the manager had just eight of his 30-man squad turn up for the pre-tournament training camp at the weekend. Finidi and the rest of the European-based players will be turning up as the competition gets nearer, the Town man leaving on Wednesday.