Super Eagles B will battle Congo in their last CHAN group game on Tuesday.
Despite early elimination, coach Eric Chelle wants his players to fight hard and redeem themselves.
Super Eagles B head coach, Eric Chelle, has challenged his players to put up a strong performance in their final group stage game against Congo at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
Nigeria’s home-based team has been eliminated from the tournament after consecutive losses of 1-0 to Senegal and a significant 4-0 defeat to Sudan. The upcoming match against Congo on Tuesday is a meaningless game for the Eagles, but Chelle insists that the players must use it as an opportunity to restore pride and demonstrate their quality.
“For this game, there will be changes because we lost two games. We need to change some things,” Chelle said during his pre-match press conference. “It’s difficult for us mentally because the tournament is over, but we need to return to Nigeria with something.”
He stressed that the encounter remains an opportunity for the team to correct their errors and show character despite being eliminated. “Tomorrow’s game is one where we can try to forget our mistakes. I’m waiting to see how they will start and finish because as professional players, they need to stay focused, be in the right state of mind, and show their qualities,” he added.
While Nigeria will only be playing for pride, the fixture is crucial for Congo, which is still in contention for qualification. The Congolese side sits on two points, while Senegal and Sudan lead the group with four points each.
For Chelle, Tuesday’s match offers more than just a chance to exit the tournament with dignity; it is also a test of the players’ resilience and professionalism under pressure. “We lost two games due to lots of mistakes. Now, the reality is clear, and I want to see how they respond,” he said.
Despite Nigeria’s disappointing campaign, the final game could provide valuable lessons for the coaching crew and players as they look ahead to future competitions. It may also serve as an opportunity for fringe players to prove their worth in international football.
