Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has given a candid assessment of Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Russia, acknowledging a poor first-half performance but commending his side’s spirited response in the second half.
The international friendly, held at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, saw Russia take early control, capitalising on Nigeria’s lack of cohesion and disjointed pressing.
Chelle admitted that his team struggled to match the intensity of the hosts in the opening 45 minutes.
“It was not an easy game, we played against a very good team. Russia have a strong squad with a lot of pressure and technical quality” Chelle told reporters post-match.
“We did not play well in the first half, we didn’t enforce our pressing game well. Russia had their chances in the first half, and they took it. We had ours, but the keeper saved it” he added.
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The Super Eagles improved significantly after the break, drawing level through substitute Tolu Arokodare, who pounced on a misplaced pass from the Russian goalkeeper to net his first international goal.
“In the second half, we were better,” our pressing improved and that made a difference. Russia had two chances, we had one or two, and we scored.” Chelle noted.
Nigeria’s Bruno Onyemaechi. Photo Credit: X
Chelle attributed some of the team’s early struggles to recent changes in personnel, with several new players still adapting to the national team’s tactical setup.
“We made lots of changes to the squad, and our usual pressing game was a bit difficult because the new players are yet to fully understand how we want to play, we need to keep working on our playing pattern and try to find the right balance” he explained.
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Looking ahead, the Nigerian manager stressed the importance of building consistency as the Super Eagles prepare for the crucial stages of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
“Now we’re talking about the future of my team as we prepare for the World Cup qualifiers, It’s important we find that consistency and improve” he said.
The result in Moscow may not have been decisive, but Chelle remains focused on long-term development as Nigeria looks to return to the world stage in North America next year.
