Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has admitted that Nigeria’s performance in their 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar was “not bad but not good too”, despite the team securing all three points in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, Trybal News reports.
Nigeria fell behind in the first half after Madagascar took advantage of an early mistake, but George Ilenikhena equalised before debutant Moses Usor scored the winning goal in the second half.
Speaking after the game, Chelle admitted that the Super Eagles were not at their best technically.
Not bad but not good too. We made the first mistake, that’s why we took a goal,” Chelle said.
After, we had a lot of chances to score a goal but we were technically not very good.”
Madagascar also made the game difficult for Nigeria by defending deep and limiting the spaces available in the attacking areas.
Chelle explained that Nigeria had to move the ball from one side to another before attempting to play through the middle against the low block.
Once you are playing against a low block, you have to pass by the side, go to the left, go to the right, and after three or four times you can find a pass inside,” he said.
The coach also admitted that there are situations where the players have to find solutions themselves when an opponent manages to disrupt the team’s original plan.
This is difficult because I’m not on the pitch and sometimes the players have to find a solution by themselves,” Chelle added.
Despite his concerns about the performance, Chelle was pleased with the mentality shown by his players after conceding the opening goal.
The state of mind was good. They gave everything for the country,” he said.
The Super Eagles also had goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to thank after he produced an important save to prevent Madagascar from extending their lead.
Nwabali did well because they had a chance to score a goal but Nwabali at this moment practically was very good,” Chelle said.
Chelle was also happy with the way Nigeria dominated the second half and eventually completed the comeback.
So, it means that this group try to go forward and bring something new. So, I am very happy with the state of mind,” he said.
Simon celebrates 100th appearance
The game was also a special one for Moses Simon, who made his 100th appearance for the Super Eagles.
Simon joined Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama, Ahmed Musa and Alex Iwobi as the only Nigerian players to have reached the 100-cap milestone.
The winger described the achievement as a dream come true and thanked the coaches who have given him the opportunity to represent Nigeria.
Of course, this gives me joy and it is a great privilege to play for the Super Eagles,” Simon said.
It is a dream come true. I never believed I would play 100 games but I believe one thing, whenever I am called up, I will be there to give one hundred percent.”
Simon also expressed his appreciation to the coaches who have trusted him throughout his international career.
Thanks to the coach for the opportunity. Thanks to every coach that gave me the opportunity,” he added.
Nigeria will now shift their attention to their next qualifying game against Guinea-Bissau, with Chelle expected to look for improvement from a Super Eagles side that secured the result but, by the coach’s own assessment, still has plenty of work to do.
