Super Eagles B head coach Eric Chelle says Nigeria must change their mindset and become more aggressive if they hope to progress from the group stage at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Chelle gave a blunt assessment after Nigeria’s 1-0 loss to Senegal in their Group D opener in Abidjan, a match decided by a second-half defensive error.
“Senegal were more aggressive than us. They put more intensity than us and this is logical they deserve this victory,” Chelle said in quotes published by Brila.
Super Eagles B.Photo Credit: X
“We never got into the game mentally, or maybe we were scared about something.”
The Super Eagles B created little in the first half, with Sikiru Alimi forcing a save from Senegal’s goalkeeper Marc Diouf in Nigeria’s only real chance before the break.
“In the first half, we created no chance to score,” Chelle said. “You need to be more aggressive offensively and defensively.”
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A mix-up between defender Ngenge Leonard and goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal led to Christian Gomis scoring the winner for Senegal in the 75th minutes.
Eric Chelle in training with the Super Eagles B ahead of the 2024 CHAN. Photo Credit: X
Chelle emphasised that Nigeria’s qualification hopes depend on how quickly the players adjust.
“We need to win games, we must be ambitious, and to do that, we need to be more aggressive. We lost every duel today, and we must do better.”
“If we play like this and are scared of other teams, we will return to Nigeria quickly.”
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Nigeria will next face Sudan on August 12 at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar. A defeat could see them eliminated from the tournament.
