Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has revealed that a tactical switch in his team’s attack led to their fight back in the 3-3 draw with Russia in Tuesday’s friendly encounter.
Russia were cruising to victory after coming from a goal down to lead 3-1, after Kelechi Iheanacho had given the Super Eagles a 10th minute lead.
But goals from Benfica 19-year-old debutant Peter Edokpolor on 78 minutes and Akor Adams’ 94th minute strike saw Chelle’s side force their host to a draw.
Before the equaliser Umar Abubakar, who also made his first appearance and provided the assist for Adams’ goal, almost made it 3-3 in the 91st minute but was denied by a superb save from the Russian keeper.
Speaking after the game, Chelle said:”The game was good for both teams, Russia had momentum towards the end of the first half, and in the beginning of the second half it was the same. But we found a solution because tactically we changed something about our strikers and they (Russia) couldn’t find a solution and this is why we scored two goals in transition.
“So, the state of mind of my team was very good, I’m proud of my players.”
Also Read: Friendly: ‘The Efforts Weren’t Bad At All’ –Ugbade Reacts To Eagles’ Six-Goal Thriller Against Russia
Chelle handed debuts to a lot of the players no thanks to withdrawals by most of the Super Eagles first team stars.
Following the impressive performance by some of the debutants, the Malian hinted that some of them could be invited for the 2027 AFCON qualifier with Tanzania in November.
“We had two objectives, the 2027 AFCON and the Olympic games and like I said in yesterday’s press conference we had problems bringing some players because their clubs didn’t allow them. So we came with some of the players who we plan to use for the U-23, and with what they showed us maybe some of them will be in the Super Eagles in the next FIFA window.”
By James Agberebi
