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CHAN 2024 Friendly: Eric Chelle shares expectations ahead of Zanzibar clash
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria’s senior men’s national team head coach Eric Chelle has expressed confidence ahead of Monday’s international friendly against Zanzibar, describing the match as a vital component of Nigeria’s build-up to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Chelle, who assumed his role with a focus on grooming domestic talent, emphasized the significance of the encounter as a litmus test for his team’s progress so far.
“We began our preparations two weeks ago during my first camp in Ikenne (Ogun State),” he said during Sunday’s pre-match press briefing.
“We worked extensively on physical, tactical, and technical aspects, and now we continue that preparation here in Zanzibar.”
The coach commended the football infrastructure in Zanzibar, noting that it has helped the team focus on refining their strategies.
“I think there are good structures here that allow us to concentrate on our tactical and technical work. Tomorrow’s game will be a great test against a solid Zanzibar side as part of our CHAN build-up.”
Chelle revealed he had studied Zanzibar’s recent matches and praised their style of play.
“They play well, are quick, and keep possession efficiently. They also have a strong striker who holds up the ball well. They bring intensity off the ball and look to finish quickly in attack. For me, it will be a good and competitive game.”
The Super Eagles B team has been drawn in Group D of the CHAN tournament alongside defending champions Senegal, Congo, and Sudan — a group many consider one of the toughest in the competition.
Nigeria last featured at CHAN in 2018, finishing runners-up after a heavy 4–0 loss to host nation Morocco in the final.
With the 2024 edition fast approaching, Chelle is hoping to take the squad one step further.
“This match will help us evaluate the players and see how well they’ve absorbed our philosophy and patterns under match pressure,” he added.
The CHAN tournament, reserved exclusively for players plying their trade in domestic leagues across Africa, is scheduled to kick off later this year.