By Fakande Oluwamayowa
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has admitted his team must step up their performance to stand a chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Chelle’s side fell 1-0 to defending champions Senegal in their Group D opener at the Amman Stadium, Zanzibar, on Tuesday night. Christian Kobi scored the decisive goal 15 minutes from time.
The Malian tactician criticized his team’s lack of aggression and mental sharpness during the match.
“We need to improve our state of mind. We must be more competitive and aggressive,” Chelle said. “If we continue like this against Sudan and Congo, we might as well head back to Nigeria.”
Looking ahead, Chelle stressed the importance of bouncing back in their next game against Sudan.
“This was just the first match. We still have two more, but we must change our mindset. You can’t play football if you lose every duel,” he noted.
“In the first half, we didn’t create any chances. That has to change.”
Nigeria will face Sudan next Tuesday at the same venue.
