Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has addressed the controversy surrounding Nigeria’s World Cup playoff penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo, justifying his decision to keep captain William Troost-Ekong on the bench during critical moments.
As the match entered extra time, many anticipated Troost-Ekong’s introduction as Nigeria’s primary penalty specialist. Instead, Chelle substituted defender Chidozie Awaziem, sparking widespread debate among supporters.
Chelle’s Tactical Justification
Chelle explained his reasoning post-match: “We conducted penalty practice yesterday. Decisions change based on match circumstances. I felt defensive reinforcement was crucial in those final minutes.”
“People might now suggest the captain was the better option. We made our choice, lost the match, and must now focus on upcoming tournaments,” the coach added, referencing future competitions.
Osimhen’s Hidden Injury Battle
Beyond the captain’s omission, new details emerged about Victor Osimhen’s match involvement. FlashScore editor Shina Oludare reported from a technical crew source that Osimhen pleaded to play through injury.
“Osimhen begged to play the second half despite his hamstring issue. The medical team refused, prioritizing his fitness for AFCON over this qualifier.”
Shina Oludare via technical crew source
The coaching staff’s precautionary approach highlights their focus on Nigeria’s continental championship prospects, even amid World Cup elimination disappointment.
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