2026 WCQ: Chelle pinpoints what Super Eagles lack after 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe
Super Eagles handler Eric Chelle has suggested that his players do not know how to manage the game when they are in control.
Nigeria were in front until stoppage time after Victor Osimhen put them ahead in the 74th minute, but they were pegged back when Chirewa scored the equalizer.
The Warriors leveled in the 90th minute, leaving Chelle frustrated with the result.
In his post-match comments, the Malian noted that his team must learn how to kill off games in such situations.
“The players might have been a little tired, and this led to a lapse in concentration, which cost us the goal,” the former Malian national team coach said.
It was the Super Eagles’ failure to maintain the same level of intensity they showed in the first half in the latter stages that allowed Zimbabwe to equalize in the final moments of the match.
“It’s hard for me to analyze the game fully right now because, honestly, I feel we deserved to win,” Chelle stated.
“We created chances, we were aggressive, and we played well in the first half. But we need to learn how to manage the game better when we’re ahead.”
Chelle noted that at this level, lapses in concentration and tiredness can be costly, adding that the Super Eagles must find ways to maintain focus as the game progresses.
2026 WCQ: Chelle pinpoints what Super Eagles lack after 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe
