Eric Chelle has opened up on the Super Eagles’ unpaid win bonus and allowance issues at this year’s AFCON, which almost marred the team’s continued participation in the tournament.
Speaking about the issue in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Chelle said his focus is what happens on the pitch.
“It is my job to stay focus on matters on the pitch and that’s where my job is,” Chelle replied when asked for his thoughts on the event of the last few days.
“The most important thing is your objective in the group and our state of mind is good we are ready, physically we are ready, tactically I have to make some choice.
“Like I said I just want to focus on the pitch any other question you can ask my federation, I prefer to stay focus on the pitch and do my job and bring my motivation to this group.”
On how prepared is team is going into the big clash, Chelle expressed confidence that his players are ready.
Also Read: AFCON 2025: I’m Not Scared Of Nigeria’s Attack –Mahrez
“We’ve tried to find the weaknesses of the opponent and we try to put it into the head of our team that we can go past this obstacle.
“This is the quarter-finals and your state of mind is very important because you have to manage the pressure, manage the opponent and what your coach ask you. So, this is what we try to work on every day and I believe we will be ready for the game tomorrow.”
The last time Chelle led a team to the quarter-finals of the AFCON was at the 2023 edition in Cote d’Ivoire with Mali.
Despite playing with a man advantage, Mali lost 2-1, after conceding a 90th minute equaliser and also letting in a goal in stoppage time of extra-time.
By James Agberebi in Marrakech, Morocco
1 Comment
Algeria is already a very tough opponent, but ONIGBESE NFF are determined to make the going even tougher for our players with nonpayment of bonuses!
I hope the coach has been paid! How ridiculous it is for an unpaid coach to be burdened by so much expectations!
To beat Algeria, we need to play with INTENSITY AND AGGRESSIVITY, as Chelle would say.
Aggressivity is a new English word credited to Chelle, and we all know exactly what he means. If we play Algeria the same way we played Tunisia in the 75 mins, we should be fine. But, and this is a big but, if we collapse in the last 15 mins the way we did in that game, THE FAT LADY WILL SING.
We must stay focused and keep concentration levels to the maximum.
Intensity and aggressivity is the key.
One more thing. Algeria play like Argentina. If small breeze blow, they will drop to the ground, looking for free kicks and penalties.
We must minimize contact with them. Close them down without fouling them. And keep a cool temperament, as they are experts at provoking anger. They will find ways to get into your head. If you let them.