Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has revealed that a tactical switch in his team’s attack led to their fight back in the 3-3 draw with Russia in Tuesday’s friendly encounter.
Russia were cruising to victory after coming from a goal down to lead 3-1, after Kelechi Iheanacho had given the Super Eagles a 10th minute lead.
But goals from Benfica 19-year-old debutant Peter Edokpolor on 78 minutes and Akor Adams’ 94th minute strike saw Chelle’s side force their host to a draw.
Before the equaliser Umar Abubakar, who also made his first appearance and provided the assist for Adams’ goal, almost made it 3-3 in the 91st minute but was denied by a superb save from the Russian keeper.
Speaking after the game, Chelle said:”The game was good for both teams, Russia had momentum towards the end of the first half, and in the beginning of the second half it was the same. But we found a solution because tactically we changed something about our strikers and they (Russia) couldn’t find a solution and this is why we scored two goals in transition.
“So, the state of mind of my team was very good, I’m proud of my players.”
Also Read: Friendly: ‘The Efforts Weren’t Bad At All’ –Ugbade Reacts To Eagles’ Six-Goal Thriller Against Russia
Chelle handed debuts to a lot of the players no thanks to withdrawals by most of the Super Eagles first team stars.
Following the impressive performance by some of the debutants, the Malian hinted that some of them could be invited for the 2027 AFCON qualifier with Tanzania in November.
“We had two objectives, the 2027 AFCON and the Olympic games and like I said in yesterday’s press conference we had problems bringing some players because their clubs didn’t allow them. So we came with some of the players who we plan to use for the U-23, and with what they showed us maybe some of them will be in the Super Eagles in the next FIFA window.”
By James Agberebi
7 Comments
Many fans believe the problem of SE at this time is in the midfield.
But we have seen good midfield players, both at the Unity Cup and against Russia.
Iwobi can still contribute, but he must have 2 center midfielders playing alongside him, or move him to the wings. Never play Iwobi and only one center midfielder.
Nnadi
Yusuf
Tijani
Adeoye
Nwoko
These guys I think are good enough to solve Nigeria’s midfield problem.
Chelle should also look at other options.
E.g. Tim Iroegbunam of Hull City. Also, Peter Ademo of Zaragosa and Peter Agba who plays for Eto FC in Hungary. Both box to box, left footed midfielders who are good at marking and shoot well from distance.
We have good midfielders. Give these guys a chance. Play them in friendlies, and let us see who is who.
Dis na very very wiked views – Iwobi must not be allow too pull on the green white and green again.
You knews nathings about wat we called footbal, alonside pipo like Onyedika, Dele Bashiru, calling for Iroegbunam nor made ani sense at al, hin needed to proof hinself first, but right now hin just be possible candidate.
Iwobi MUST NEED TO BE DROP PERMANENT. PERIOD!
MOSES USOR -ABI WATIN CALL, MUST BE AMONG DE TEAMS EACH AN EVERYDAY. HE HAVE SONTING DAT DE SE NEEDED VERY MUSH, HE EES MUSH BERRER THAN ILLENKHANA.
I place less importance on points peppered with jingoist intent.
Iwobi will play anywhere the coach wants.
The piping down of this platform has begun.
No player has had a permanent starting shirt in the SE like Iwobi and the late Yekini. His performance has not really helped the team to boss opponents. The SE is not a team someone is guaranteed starting spot for that long. No replacement?
He has had some outstanding performances for the team No doubt but that doesn’t make him a starter surebanker. We thought we had Mustapha until they chased him away from even getting invite. Yet the guy is combative, a ball winner.
We’re the Fulham man from the north, they would have critized him to he’ll. No more invite.
I disagree with you. Iwobi is not in the super eagles this long because he is from the eastern part of Nigeria. When someone is winging about the Igbos, I already know what part of Nigeria they come from.
He is relevant today because he has been fantastic for the super eagles.
Iwobi was a maestro in the last Afcon have you forgotten so soon? He was one of the stand out players this FIFA windows despite super eagles disgraceful performances.
Another factor why he is relevant is because he plays regularly for a decent premiership team Fulham. No Nigerian attacking or central midfielder in Europe could boast of matching his profile. He has over 100 caps for the super eagles, which comes with great experience. For the fact he features regularly and brilliantly for Fulham, he should be an integral part of our team until someone better emerges, unfortunately, so far no player have proved they can take his spot in the super eagles. Besides, the few times we played without him, we really missed him. That is how huge he is for the super eagles.
However, with improved scouting work by our gaffer, perhaps we could someday have a playmaker to retire Iwobi. I hope that happens, end of the day, the idea is for the team to continue to improve. Politicizing our national team won’t help it to grow, instead we should engage in developmental, objective and neutral participation to help power football development in Nigeria.
Whish outstanding performance be dat?
Shey de one wey wunu always dey lost game??
Efry man wit hin dog know sey SE wit Iwobi is very very easy to beat becos iwobi is a liabilities to de team in any march wey dem put hin in the midfield – hin nor dey cantributed anyting, nor fit tackle, nor fit put leg on top ball, but fery soon na, yuh go dey here de mumus told yuh that he can pass ball – shey na to pass ball dey mek pesin better player dan oders? Ees eet not de fundamental job and basic reqruiments of any footbaler to pass ball? Yesterday, wuna see any p;layere wey no sabi pass ball?? Mek wuna cantinue to dey fool an deceif wunu self, wuna go cantinue to collect wotowoto from efrybodi! Robbish!
Wunu needed to opened wuna eyes and stop dragging de SE of Nigerian down!
efry tine iwobi dis Iwobi dat – at least yuh stii get brain but how yuh go stii dey give de mugus mouth by lyieng dat iwobi have son outstanding performance? outstanding performace ko, instanding performace ne…mtcheew!¬
Somebody desperately wants my autograph.
The Pararazzi machine is on the move!