Finidi George rues inexperience after young Enyimba exit AFL
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Enyimba coach Finidi George blamed his side's African Football League exit on costly errors and inexperience after their heavy aggregate defeat to Wydad Casablanca.
The Nigerians crashed out 4-0 overall against the Moroccan giants after following up a 1-0 first leg loss by going down 3-0 away last Thursday.
And George pinpointed their naivety in the opening periods of both legs as decisive to Enyimba's semi-final hopes being dashed.
"It was not a good match for us especially in the first half and it was because of the way Wydad played," the former Nigeria international said in the post match press conference.
"They put us under a lot of pressure and my players made mistakes which gave them an early goal. After the early goal, we knew it was going to be difficult."
Wydad's fourth minute opener in the second leg left Enyimba with a mountain to climb.
But despite the disappointing exit, George took encouragement from blooding youngsters on the continental stage.
"We have a lot of young players. We are working towards something and I think in the coming years, these players will graduate and will have the experience to play at this level," he said.
Teenage midfielders Daniel Daga and Adiele Eriuogo were among those handed starts in Casablanca.
"For them it was a big experience playing in such a tournament. We will learn from what we have done wrong," George added.
Though their AFL adventure ended prematurely, Enyimba gave youth a chance and can use the lessons to come back stronger.
