SUPER Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has emphasized the need for his team to refine their playing pattern and achieve better balance as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
Speaking after Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Russia at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium on Friday, Chelle acknowledged the difficulties posed by an under-strength squad but maintained a focus on future improvements.
During the post-match press conference, Chelle noted that the absence of key players such as goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and Samuel Chukwueze affected the team’s usual style of play.
“We made lots of changes to the squad, and our usual pressing game was a bit difficult because the new players are yet to fully understand how we want to play,” he said. “So, we need to keep working on our playing pattern and try to find balance.”
Chelle described the match as challenging, given the strength and technical ability of the Russian side. He admitted that the Super Eagles struggled in the first half to impose their pressing style, but they improved after the break.
“Russia has a good team with lots of pressure and technical qualities,” Chelle said. “We did not play well in the first half. We didn’t enforce our pressing game so well. But we were better in the second half with our pressing, and that made the difference for us.”
The coach pointed out that both teams had opportunities during the game. Russia took their chance in the first half through an own goal by defender Ajayi, who inadvertently diverted a cross into Nigeria’s net after a run by Russian winger Viktor Melyokhin.
Nigeria had a chance shortly before halftime when midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru broke through the defense but was denied by Russian goalkeeper Matvei Safonov.
In the second half, substitute Tolu Arokodare scored Nigeria’s equalizer in the 71st minute. Having replaced Victor Boniface, Arokodare pressed the Russian defense and capitalized on an under-hit clearance by Safonov to slot the ball into the far corner. The goal marked Arokodare’s first for the national team.
Despite the challenges of integrating new players and facing a technically adept opponent, Chelle remained focused on the bigger picture. The coach stressed that the team’s preparations are geared towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where Nigeria will face Rwanda and South Africa in September.
“Now we are talking about the future of my team as we are preparing for the World Cup qualifiers,” he said.
The Super Eagles currently occupy fourth place in their qualifying group. Their next fixtures include a home game against Rwanda’s Amavubi in early September, followed by an away match against group leaders South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Johannesburg four days later.
Chelle’s remarks underline the ongoing process of building cohesion and tactical understanding within the team as Nigeria aims to improve its competitive standing on the international stage.