Following a disappointing performance at the CAF African Nations Championship, tagged CHAN 2024, head coach of Nigeria’s Home Eagles Eric Chelle did not mince words, famously describing the 4-0 defeat to Sudan as the “worst game I’ve overseen.”
His scathing assessment came in the wake of Nigeria suffering a significant defeat to Sudan in a crucial CHAN 2024 encounter, a result that has sent ripples of concern through the team’s camp.
Nigeria’s campaign was already on the ropes after player departures had weakened the squad and the heavy defeat left them with only one thing to fight for, honour.
“We have lost all ambition. The CHAN is over for us,” Chelle stated. “We have a third match to play for our honour and respect.”
“But I am disappointed by this match. It is the worst game I’ve overseen from the dugout as coach.”
Looking ahead to their final game against Congo, Chelle shared a few words to journalists.
“If we play this way against Congo, it wouldn’t be just four. We have to clear our minds and mentally get ready for Congo,” he added.
The coach pointed to the loss of key domestic players, nearly eight who had moved abroad, as a turning point.
“Though some important players left our preparations camp, these were the best players in our league,” Chelle said. “We can’t play a game like that and lose in the manner we did. We need to be more focused.”
“The players focused in the first 20 minutes. Our goal was ruled out and afterwards, we made a lot of mistakes… 4 mistakes, 4 goals. Our training session before the game went well.”
“We analysed Sudan’s team. We prepared well, but were not ready for as many mistakes,” he added.
Chelle’s post-match comments underscore the depth of his disappointment, suggesting that the team fell far short of his expectations. He emphasised that the performance was unacceptable and highlighted areas where the team severely underperformed.
The match against Sudan was anticipated to be a pivotal moment for the Home Eagles in their quest for continental glory, but it unfolded into a frustrating affair.
The defeat to Sudan serves as a stark reminder of the competitive nature of CHAN and the high stakes involved in the tournament. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how the team responds to this critical setback and their coach’s damning verdict.