Super Eagles Vs Amavubi: Why I Played Five Defense – Chelle

By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo

Head Coach of Nigeria Super Eagles, Eric Chelle said his reason for playing five defense in last Saturday’s World Cup Qualifier March between home team, Super Eagles against Amavubi of Rawnda was to ensure a strong defense.

Chelle spoke while fielding questions from sports journalists during a post-match press conference at Goodwill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

He said that he believes strongly in his philosophy while planning and featuring players for any match because he will take the blame when the team loses.

“My philosophy is 4,4,2 diamond and 4,4,2 flat. I played five defense because I needed a strong defense.

On why he benched Skipo, William Troost Ekong during the first 45 minutes of play, Coach Chelle said it was his choice as part of his job so as to fix him at a better time and strengthen team.

“This is my choice and I don’t want to explain my choice and my job is to do some choices and I did it and the most important thing is the three points,” the Coach explained.

“I need to restrict all my players, if I do something and I fix something, it is my job. If we win everybody says oye, good choice and if we lose, people say bad choice.

“If I fixed something, it is my heart and my analysis, we collate the players with my technical staff.” He added.

Coach Eric however expressed joy over the win against Amavubi of Rwanda which has moved Super Eagles up to second game against South Africa on Tuesday.

The Captain, William Troost-Ekong congratulated Benjamin for playing an amazing game.

He also congratulated his fans and football supporters in Uyo, saying, “it was good to see this family back with them.”

He noted that the match between Nigeria versus South Africa would be an important match, assuring that Nigeria will win.

“All the players understand how important the match between Nigeria and South Africa is, therefore, we are focused and motivated. We will give our maximum on Tuesday and we will take it step by step and deliver on the pitch.” Captain Ekong assured.

It would be recalled that the Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, defeated the Amavubi of Rawnda by a lone goal scored in the second half of play to clinch points that qualified for a second round on Tuesday against Bafana Bafana of South Africa.