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Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle did not hold back following his team’s humbling 4–0 defeat to Sudan at CHAN 2024, describing the performance as the “worst game I’ve overseen.”
The scathing appraisal came in the aftermath of a crucial Group D clash that saw the Home Eagles eliminated from the tournament, leaving the squad with only pride to play for in their remaining fixture.
“We have lost all ambition. The CHAN is over for us,” Chelle admitted. “We have a third match to play for our honour and respect. But I am disappointed by this match. It is the worst game I’ve overseen from the dugout as coach.”
Looking ahead to their final game against Congo, Chelle issued a stern warning. “If we play this way against Congo, it wouldn’t be just four. We have to clear our minds and mentally get ready for Congo,” he said.
The coach pinpointed the absence of key domestic players, eight of whom had moved abroad, as a major factor in the team’s struggles. “Though some important players left our preparations camp, these were the best players in our league. We can’t play a game like that and lose in the manner we did. We need to be more focused.”
Chelle reflected on the game’s turning points, particularly the disallowed goal that seemed to unsettle the team. “The players focused in the first 20 minutes. Our goal was ruled out and afterwards, we made a lot of mistakes… four mistakes, four goals. Our training session before the game went well. We analysed Sudan’s team. We prepared well, but were not ready for as many mistakes,” he added.
The coach’s comments underline the depth of his frustration, highlighting how far the performance fell short of expectations. The match against Sudan, expected to be a pivotal moment for the Home Eagles, instead exposed vulnerabilities and left the squad facing an uphill battle in the tournament.
Chelle’s candid remarks serve as a stark reminder of the pressures at CHAN and the high standards expected at the continental level, with fans and analysts now watching to see whether the team can regroup ahead of their final group-stage game.
