Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has remained resolute and positive following his team’s 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, March 25.
Despite the setback, Chelle insisted that Nigeria was the superior side in the match, which took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The game, which saw Victor Osimhen’s 74th-minute strike cancelled out by Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chiwera, ended in a disappointing draw for the hosts.
Osimhen’s superb finish, assisted by Ola Aina, had given Nigeria a glimmer of hope for a second consecutive win, but Chiwera, just ten minutes after coming on as a substitute, equalised with a well-timed pass from fellow substitute Tawanda Maswanhise.
The draw left Nigeria on seven points, stuck in fourth place in Group C, six points behind leaders South Africa. Benin Republic and Rwanda are tied in second place with eight points each, further complicating Nigeria’s path to qualification.
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Despite the disappointing result, Chelle expressed confidence in his team’s ability to still secure one of the group’s two qualification spots. The coach suggested that, if necessary, the Super Eagles could target a place in the play-offs should they finish as runners-up.
“We played better than Zimbabwe, Normally, we can score maybe 10 goals in the first half, but you can make some mistakes. We tried our technical skills, but Zimbabwe came to defend and stop our game. In the second half, we took control, and when we scored the goal, we thought maybe it was finished. But even 10 seconds can change a game,” Chelle said, reflecting on the game.
Chelle also acknowledged his team’s failure to capitalise on several goal-scoring opportunities.
Despite their dominance in possession and attacking play, they were unable to convert chances into goals, which he believes ultimately cost them the win.
“Still, my team was the best on the pitch, with ball possession and fast attack, We just missed some goals. I’m so disappointed for my players and the country, because I know we can do it. But for the next game, I know we can look beyond second place and aim for first,” Chelle continued.
