AFCON 2027 Race: Eric Chelle Attributes Super Eagles Missed Chances On Anxiety
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria head coach, Eric Chelle has placed the national team’s missed chances against Madagascar on anxiety at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
Debutants, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor bagged the goals for the Super Eagles to grind out a 2-1 win against the Barea in the 2027 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Chelle was convinced with the momentum of the squad and commended the players for giving their all in their quest to qualify for the continental showpiece.
“The state of mind was good. They gave everything for the jersey and for the country,” he said at the post-match press conference at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
He explained why Samuel Chukwueze was substituted in the 61st minute to pave way for LASK forward, Usor who eventually scored on his debut with a left footed strike sending the goalkeper the wrong way.
“He finished the first half well. So I felt he was a little bit tired, and I wanted to bring some energy into the team.”
Chelle owned up to the error, the Eagles made which resulted to the goal scored by Madagascar in the 16th minute of the game and believes the players were jittery not to convert the chances created.
“We made a mistake and conceded. After that, we had chances to score, but we were too anxious and couldn’t convert them.”
The three times Africa champions will trade tackles with Guinea Bissau in their second game on Tuesday, September 29 in Morocco.
