Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George, has debunked rumours of a strained relationship between him and some Super Eagles stars.
Finidi reportedly fell out with Ademola Lookman and Sadiq Umar during the Super Eagles friendlies against Ghana and Mali in March.
Lookman featured as a substitute in both games, while Umar didn’t step on the pitch at all.
The 53-year-old claimed he has a cordial relationship with all his players.
“I have been with the team for 20 months; I have always had a cordial relationship with all the players as an assistant coach,” Finidi said at his unveiling ceremony.
“I am still the same person even as head coach now, only that the title has changed.
“There will be no controversy regarding relationships with the players.
“These are professional players and we have to give them what they’re used to in Europe; you don’t need to slap anybody for not doing your job.”