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Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, voiced his satisfaction with the team’s hard-fought win over Rwanda’s Amavubi in a crucial World Cup qualifier held in Uyo.
Chelle shared these thoughts during his post-match press conference at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday.
He highlighted his contentment with the squad’s dominant first-half display, where they controlled 70% of the possession, crediting it to the Rwandan side’s evident exhaustion.
“This is why, in the second half, they did not press us. After our goal, we had two wingers, more professionals, and it was the plan,” Chelle explained.
“We are happy because we won by one, but we cannot face South Africa with that formation. I am happy only because of Tuesday’s game,” he added, signaling a need for strategic adjustments ahead.
The coach defended his choice to bench team captain William Troost-Ekong for the opening half, emphasizing that his focus remained on clinching the vital three points.
“This is my choice. I do not need to explain. My job is to make decisions. Winning proves the decision was good,” he asserted firmly.
He elaborated further: “If I fix something, it is based on my heart and analysis. My technical staff and I evaluate players carefully before deciding.”
Chelle revealed his tactical leanings toward a 4-4-2 diamond or flat setup, underscoring the importance of a robust backline, which prompted him to deploy five defenders.
Nevertheless, he expressed frustration over the Super Eagles’ failure to capitalize on numerous chances despite overwhelming Rwanda throughout the game.
In an earlier statement, skipper William Troost-Ekong accepted full accountability for his absence from the starting lineup against Rwanda.
He commended young talent Benjamin Fredrick for delivering an “amazing performance,” while acknowledging the intense scrutiny the player had endured in prior outings.
Troost-Ekong extended gratitude to the passionate Uyo crowd, noting the joy of reuniting with them. “We never stopped believing. Welcome back to the family,” he declared warmly.
Looking ahead, he described the upcoming clash with South Africa on Tuesday as pivotal, urging the team to maintain sharp focus and steady progress.
“We really believe in what we are doing. We must take it step by step. The next step is South Africa,” Troost-Ekong concluded.
Source: NationalAccordNewspaper | Read the Full Story…
