Nigeria defender Benjamin Tanimu could be set for an extended run-in in the Super Eagles starting line-up after impressing in the international friendly against Ghana.
The 21-year-old earned a debut call-up to the national team for the March international break and was trusted by interim coach Finidi George with a starting role when Nigeria took on the Black Stars on Friday.
The defender started on the left side of a back three and put in an assured performance that vindicated his coach’s decision to select him in the starting line-up.
Tanimu lasted 79 minutes in his first game for the Super Eagles before being replaced by Ademola Lookman. Lookman would go on to score, adding to Cyriel Dessers’ first-half penalty, as Nigeria beat Ghana 2-1 in Marrakech, with Jordan Ayew scoring the Black Stars’ consolation goal.
Finidi George impressed with Tanimu’s Super Eagles debut
The centre-back, who is currently on the books of Tanzanian Premier League side Ihefu FC, has been widely praised for his performance on his debut, with George also adding his voice.
The Super Eagles caretaker coach said he has been admiring Tanimu since his days in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and wasn’t surprised by his display against Ghana.
“He [Benjamin Tanimu] is a player that I wanted while he was still at Bendel Insurance but it didn’t work out. So with all the injuries that we had, we had to look for a player that can substitute and it came to my mind to invite him and he is doing so well for his club in Tanzania. So why not?” George said.
“Not bad being his first time, it’s not easy wearing that national team colours but on overall I will give him credit. It’s not a bad one for the first time wearing that jersey to be there up and doing is a great thing you know.”
Tanimu aiming to keep his place against Mali
George further explained that he settled on Tanimu to start against the Black Stars after experienced defender Kenneth Omeruo sustained a knock in training.
Having now had a taste of senior international football, the former Bendel Insurance FC rearguard is now looking forward to keeping his place for the next friendly against Mali. Tanimu said he’s not only aiming to get more minutes under his belt but to also justify his inclusion and make sure he’s part of the next roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June.
“They are friendly matches and the coaches know what they want to get from the matches. So if called up for some minutes, it’s my duty to give them my best as well,” he told Punchng.
“And yes, I know I must put in the work in training to justify my inclusion. Beyond these matches, it is my desire to return with the squad for upcoming matches, and I know that means I must be consistent in training and when I get back to my club.”
Tanimu has risen through the ranks, having played for Nigeria’s U23s. Despite plying his trade in Tanzania, the defender remains highly rated due to his calm and composure on the ball and his ability to pass from the back.
With Omeruo still recovering from the knock he suffered in training, Tanimu stands a good chance of getting his second successive Super Eagles start against Mali on Tuesday.
Nigeria are currently short on defenders, with William Troost-Ekong out with a long-term injury, while Gabriel Osho and Tyronne Ebuehi also had to pull out of the squad for the March friendlies due to injury.
