Nigerian head coach Eric Chelle was impressed with the performances of the ‘fringe’ players in the country’s 3-1 win over Uganda in Tuesday’s AFCON clash.
A much-changed Super Eagles side headed into their final Group C clash at the ongoing tournament in Morocco, but delivered a performance even the regulars would have been proud of at the Fez Stadium.
Paul Onuachu opened the scoring in the first half after good work by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru as Nigeria took a one-goal lead into the break.
“I am happy about the victory, but we have to improve again. If we want to be ambitious, we have to improve again”, Chelle revealed after the match.
“The group gave a good answer today because the players who did not start the previous games started today and they showed something. They scored three goals and I am very happy about that.”
Uganda were reduced to 10-men just few minutes into the second half and the Super Eagles made the advantage count with two goals in the space of five minutes.
Raphael Onyedika bagged both goals with Samuel Chukwueze providing the assists for the two goals.
The Cranes grabbed a consolation through Rogers Mato, but crashed out of the competition.
“We are calm and, if you watch the game, I think I am calmer than at the last AFCON. I try to stay focused during the game, only on the game. I have my vision. Sometimes it is very good, sometimes it is bad. That is football. We work every day and the team works hard,” he continued.
“The round of 16 is a lot of pressure, for sure, but I am fascinated by that. Since I arrived, I have had a lot of pressure and I feel good,” Chelle said.
“I feel good because the town is perfect, the hotel is perfect and the atmosphere is perfect.”
Nigeria advance to the round of 16 as group winners and will now face either Ivory Coast, Cameroon or Mozambique.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
