Tremendous Eagles assistant coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has defended head coach Eric Chelle’s choice to stay with the identical defensive setup after Victor Osimhen was substituted in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo on Tuesday, twenty fifth March.
After Osimhen’s exit, the coach selected to introduce an attacking participant as a substitute of reinforcing the defence, a choice that sparked criticism from some Nigerian soccer followers. Many believed a defensive change would have helped the Tremendous Eagles defend their lead and safe all three factors.
Talking to Lagos Talks 91.3, Ilechukwu defined the choice, emphasising the crew’s attacking mindset and confidence of their defence.
“This can be a crew that created nearly eight or 9 possibilities however didn’t convert them. At that second, the coach decided primarily based on the crew’s philosophy and unity. We’re all working collectively as one.”
The assistant coach added that the crew anticipated to attain extra objectives and didn’t assume they might concede towards Zimbabwe.
“We believed we might rating greater than two objectives. We had been pushing for extra objectives and didn’t anticipate Zimbabwe to interrupt by way of our defence and rating.”
Ilechukwu additionally identified that creating possibilities doesn’t all the time assure victory, utilizing Rangers for instance.
“It’s regular. Similar to Rangers yesterday, we misplaced regardless of creating greater than 9 possibilities. The coach is working with all of us, and we’re totally behind him. We nonetheless have a bonus to qualify, and we should qualify.”
The attract Uyo was a setback for Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes, leaving the crew in a difficult place. With 4 video games left, the Tremendous Eagles should bounce again shortly and safe essential wins to maintain their possibilities of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive.
