Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle says his side must show “intensity and aggression” as they prepare for a decisive Group B meeting with Sudan at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Zanzibar.
The Super Eagles lost 1-0 to defending champions Senegal in their opening game, leaving them bottom of the group and in danger of an early exit.
“We just want to win this game,” Chelle told reporters on Monday. “Our project remains playing with intensity and aggression, and I know it will be difficult for us physically until the last moment.
Eric Chelle in training with the Super Eagles B ahead of the 2024 CHAN. Photo Credit: X
To stay ambitious we need to win this game against Sudan because we are a great football country.”
Chelle, who was appointed last year, also stressed that his coaching vision is distinct.
“I am not a Nigerian coach, my vision is different. My judgement is to make the decisions and it’s that of the players to accept it on the pitch and some fault could be mine.”
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Sudan began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Congo, a result that gives them a slight cushion going into Tuesday’s clash at the Amman Stadium.
For Nigeria, another defeat would confirm elimination, while a victory could reignite their campaign and restore belief in their title ambitions.
Super Eagles B.Photo Credit: X
The CHAN tournament is reserved exclusively for players who play in their country’s domestic leagues and serves as a proving ground for emerging talent.
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Nigeria are making only their fourth appearance in the competition, having missed the 2020 and 2022 editions.
Their best performance came in 2018, when they reached the final before losing to Morocco.
