Eric Chelle, head coach of the Super Eagles, urges his team to stay focused ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe. Having secured a 2-0 victory over Rwanda, he emphasizes the need for improvement and tactical flexibility. With Nigeria currently fourth in Group C, the Zimbabwe match is critical for their World Cup qualification efforts.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has issued a call for his team to maintain their focus ahead of the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, scheduled for Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, according to PUNCH Sports Extra. Chelle stated, “We need to be ready for the next game. I prefer to focus on my team rather than discussing weaknesses. My priority is analysing and improving our own play.” This statement follows Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali the previous Friday.
The 47-year-old Malian coach, who was appointed in January, celebrated a successful start to his tenure with a first-half brace from Victor Osimhen, securing important points in Group C. Chelle acknowledged the victory while emphasizing the necessity for ongoing improvement, saying, “I’m proud of my players—congratulations to them. But we have work to do. This was just the first game, and while I’m happy with the win, we must keep improving.”
Throughout the match in Kigali, Chelle demonstrated tactical flexibility, employing a 4-2-3-1 formation which included Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi in midfield, with Osimhen and others leading the attack. He made strategic adjustments during the game, bringing on Raphael Onyedika for Samuel Chukwueze and Alhassan Yusuf to replace the injured Bright Osayi-Samuel. Chelle remarked, “We have a team with strengths and weaknesses, and my job is to shape the game plan accordingly. I want my players to understand that we can play in different ways. Today, we used two or three different systems.”
Despite limited time for preparation with the team, the former Mali manager expressed contentment with the players’ adaptability to his strategies. “It was a very difficult game because Rwanda have a strong team and a good coach. But we also played very well. I’m very happy and proud of my players, my staff, and the Nigerian people,” he commented. Chelle credited their successful game plan to focused training sessions despite their short preparation period, believing that the team deserved the victory.
Following this win, Nigeria now holds four points from five matches, ranking fourth in Group C, behind South Africa, Benin, and Rwanda. The imminent match against Zimbabwe is critical for the Super Eagles, as Chelle understands that a slip-up could jeopardize their chances for qualification to the 2026 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
In conclusion, Eric Chelle emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus as the Super Eagles prepare for their crucial World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe. Following a recent victory over Rwanda, Chelle advocates for continuous improvement and adaptation of game tactics. With the team currently fourth in Group C, the upcoming match is a vital opportunity to enhance their qualification prospects for the 2026 World Cup.
Original Source: punchng.com
