Chelle started Fredrick in central defence alongside Calvin Bassey, leaving team captain, Troost-Ekong on the bench
By Kehinde Okeowo
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has urged his pundits and Nigerian fans to respect his decision to start his captain, William Troost-Ekong from the bench in the win against Rwanda on Saturday.
Speaking with journalists after his team edged past the visitors in the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, he argued that he was only doing his job.
During the encounter, Troost-Ekong, who usually wears the captain’s armband, was benched.
Instead, Chelle opted to start 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick in central defence alongside Calvin Bassey..
The Malian tactician, however, brought Troost-Ekong on as a late substitute, as Nigeria defeated the Amavubi 1-0.
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When asked by the media about his decision, Chelle replied: “I don’t want to explain myself; this is my choice as a coach, and I respect and believe in all my players.
“This is my job. If we win, everybody will be happy, and if we don’t, they will complain, but this is my choice.”
Oh his part, Troost-Ekong congratulated Brentford loanee, Benjamin Fredrick after the encounter, saying he was amazing for Nigeria against Rwanda.
When asked about starting the game from the bench during his post-match press conference, the ex-Watford defender quickly redirected attention to Fredrick’s impressive display.
He said, “I want to add something to what the coach said. The focus should not be on me, why I did not start.
“We should say a big congratulations to Benjamin. He played an amazing game today.
“To come in a game that is loaded with a lot of pressure at his age here in Uyo isn’t an easy thing.”
