Chelle takes responsibility as Nigeria face crucial Tanzania qualifier

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has defended his decision to select several less-established players and accepted full responsibility for the outcome of the Super Eagles’ crucial 2027 AFCON qualifier against Tanzania.

Nigeria have three points from their opening two Group L matches, having beaten Madagascar 2-1 at home before suffering a 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau. They now face a decisive double-header against Tanzania, who have already qualified for the tournament as co-hosts.

The first meeting takes place in Uyo on Friday, with the return fixture scheduled for Zanzibar next week.

Chelle was speaking at his pre-match press conference in Uyo on Thursday, where he rejected suggestions that the inclusion of new or relatively inexperienced players represented a risk.

Tochukwu Nnadi, Samson Tijani, Suleiman Mubarak and Abdullahi Bewene are among the players included in the 24-man squad.

“If they are here, it’s because I think they deserve to be here. They have something to bring,” Chelle said.

The Franco-Malian coach has previously said selection should be based on a player’s current form, attitude and ability to meet the team’s needs, rather than reputation alone.

He has used recent international windows to assess different options, particularly in midfield, while injuries have affected his choices. Victor Osimhen and Frank Onyeka are among those ruled out.

Chelle said the selected newcomers would be expected to provide energy, intensity and tactical flexibility against a Tanzania side able to play without the pressure of qualification.

He was equally direct when asked about the criticism that followed the defeat by Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria’s first competitive loss since he took charge.

“If we win, this is the players. If we lose, this is my responsibility. And I totally agree with that,” he said.

Chelle said he had assembled the squad and therefore had to accept responsibility for its results. His position is intended to protect the players from blame and keep attention on the team’s performance.

Guinea-Bissau lead Group L with six points from two matches. Nigeria and Madagascar are competing for the second automatic qualification place, while Tanzania’s qualification is already secured.

The victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium gave Nigeria an encouraging start, but the heavy loss in Guinea-Bissau left the Super Eagles with a negative goal difference and in second place.

Chelle has told his players to put that result behind them and approach Friday’s game with a “killer state of mind”. He wants them to show intensity and aggression from the opening whistle, arguing that their mindset could prove more important than tactical preparation.

With the squad together and training completed, Chelle said he trusted the quality of his players. He has made clear that the new selections were deliberate, but that results will determine whether Nigeria can revive their campaign.

For the Super Eagles, maximum points in Uyo are essential before the return match in Zanzibar. For Chelle, the responsibility for what follows rests with him.