Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has vowed that his team will produce “the best game of our lives” when they face Sudan on Tuesday at the ongoing CHAN tournament in Zanzibar, responding to the pressure and expectations after a 1-0 opening loss to defending champions Senegal.
At Monday’s pre-match press conference, the Franco-Malian coach said he is concentrating only on the next game and working to correct mistakes from the first match. “We are focused on our next game. This game against Sudan is a big game for us,” Chelle said, stressing a positive attitude and unity under pressure. “I just want to win the game. The game will have a lot of intensity… We are ambitious, and we just want to win tomorrow’s game.”
Chelle confirmed a squad change prompted by injury: first-choice goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena is out, and U20 goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt has been called into the squad. Left-back Taiwo Abdulrafiu is reported fit. “Ani Ozoemena is injured, and we just had to bring Ebenezer in, and I trust him,” Chelle said.
Team captain Junior Nduka echoed the coach’s focus on recovery and resilience, pointing to recent positive signs from the squad. “We are focused on the game tomorrow. We proved a point in the Unity Cup after the Zimbabwe setback in the World Cup qualifier, and we can make things right again against Sudan tomorrow,” he said.
The match is a repeat of the CHAN 2018 semifinal pairing. Kickoff is scheduled for 6pm Nigerian time at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Analysis and implications
– The result against Sudan is crucial for Nigeria’s CHAN campaign: a win would restore momentum after the narrow defeat to Senegal and improve the team’s prospects in the group.
– The enforced goalkeeper change is the main selection concern. Bringing in a young U20 keeper is a bold move that tests squad depth but also signals confidence in youth development; how the defense adapts around a new goalkeeper will be decisive.
– Chelle’s emphasis on mentality and correcting mistakes suggests tactical adjustments and heightened intensity are likely. Leadership from the captain and experienced players will be important to steady the team under pressure.
What to watch
– How Ebenezer Harcourt handles his introduction if he starts, particularly communication with the defensive line.
– Whether Chelle makes tactical changes from the Senegal game to improve attacking efficiency while maintaining defensive solidity.
– Junior Nduka’s influence on team organization and morale during a must-win match.
Highlights
– Chelle promises the team’s best performance against Sudan after an opening 1-0 loss to Senegal.
– Ani Ozoemena injured; U20 goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt called into the squad.
– Taiwo Abdulrafiu declared fit.
– Match: Nigeria vs Sudan at Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar — 6pm Nigerian time.
Short summary
Eric Chelle has urged focus and positivity ahead of Nigeria’s CHAN fixture with Sudan, describing the game as vital after a narrow opening defeat. Injury to first-choice goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena brings U20 keeper Ebenezer Harcourt into the squad. The coach and captain stress unity and ambition as the team seeks a crucial win at Amaan Stadium.
Hopeful angle
A victory on Tuesday would not only erase the sting of the Senegal result but also validate Chelle’s trust in his squad depth and the team’s mental resilience. The inclusion of a young goalkeeper offers an opportunity for fresh energy and could pay dividends if the defense rallies around him.
Additional comments for publication
– Consider adding a brief team sheet and coach’s likely starting XI closer to kickoff, and update readers on any late injury changes.
– Include post-match reactions and player ratings after the game to increase engagement.
– Adding a short background paragraph on Nigeria’s CHAN history and their 2018 semifinal meeting with Sudan would give readers useful context.