AFCON 2025
Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle says he doesn’t owe anyone an explanation for his decision not to start captain Williams Troost-Ekong against Rwanda.
Chelle says he has respect for all his players but the decison on who gets to start or stay on the bench remains in his heart and it would be difficult to explain.
Eric Chelle made his thoughts known during the post-match conference after Super Eagles 1-0 win over Rwanda on Saturday evening.
I don’t want to explain myself, this is my choice as a coach and I respect and believe in all my players.this is my job. If we win everybody will be happy and if we don’t they will complain but this is my choice.
William Troost-Ekong came on as a second half substitute as Eric Chelle switched to a 3-5-2 formation in the last few minutes of the tie.
On Victor Osimhen’s injury, Eric Chelle says he get ascertain the degree of the injury but the Galatasaray striker experienced a pain around his ankle after he was subbed-off in the first half.
He added that Osimhen’s injury will be accessed by the team’s physiotherapist tomorrow to know whether he would be available for the match against South Africa.
Osimhen was leaping on his left ankle was walked into the pitch after the final whistle.
Tolu Arokodare’s goal ten minutes into the second half secured maximum points for the Super Eagles as they recorded their first win on home soil since the start of the series.
The win revives Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup as they faced-off against South Africa in another crunch tie at the Free State Stadium in Blomfontein on Tuesday.
A win for the Super Eagles over South Africa further increases their chances. However, any other result dashes their hopes.
