Nigeria’s Tremendous Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has shared his ideas after the group’s 1–1 draw with Russia in a global pleasant performed on Friday on the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
Talking after the match, Chelle praised the Russian group, saying, “The Russian group is a superb group. Their gamers have been superb – skilful and powerful in urgent.” He added that the sport was aggressive and a draw was a good end result.
Chelle additionally appreciated the environment on the stadium, describing the expertise as “superb” and thanking the followers for his or her assist.
Reflecting on the sport, Chelle admitted that each groups had possibilities, and it was a tricky contest. “Two sturdy groups performed one another right this moment,” he stated.
He identified that the Tremendous Eagles struggled beneath strain, particularly within the second half. “We’ll make modifications. We have to enhance when beneath strain. This has been an issue in our final three video games. Within the second half, we hardly had the ball, and that was right down to the strain from the Russian gamers,” Chelle defined.
When requested about standout gamers from the Russian group, Chelle praised striker Nikolay Komlichenko, who wore the quantity 9 shirt. “He stood out. However Russia has many good gamers,” he stated.
He additionally spoke extremely of Russia’s organised model of play and their fast transitions, saying the attract Moscow was “one thing to be happy with” contemplating the standard of the opposition.
Chelle was additionally filled with reward for Nigerian winger Olakunle Olusegun, highlighting his tempo, ball management, and powerful mentality. “He has been in good kind this week, however he nonetheless wants to enhance at membership degree, particularly by creating extra assists,” the coach stated.
Concerning Russia’s purpose, which got here after a mistake by the Nigerian goalkeeper, Chelle defended the place. “Errors occur in soccer – that’s how objectives are scored. I don’t assume the goalkeeper is the one one at fault. It was a group effort,” he defined. He additionally praised Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, saying, “He’s a high keeper. I comply with the French league, and he’s superb.”
In conclusion, Chelle in contrast Russia’s model of soccer to Germany’s, calling it “a wise sport with plenty of motion.” He warned that visiting groups may discover it troublesome to play in Moscow if they don’t seem to be absolutely ready.
The draw was a stable end result for the Tremendous Eagles as they proceed to construct in direction of their 2026 World Cup qualifying marketing campaign, with Chelle stressing the necessity to study and enhance from every sport.
