Chelle and his players began their CHAN Group D opener with a 1-0 loss to defending champions, Senegal
By Kehinde Okeowo
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has said Nigeria risk early exit from the 2024 African Nations Championship, (CHAN) if his players don’t improve on their display against defending champions, Senegal.
The Malian tactician made this known after the encounter while reflecting on his team’s defeat to the cup holders.
Nigeria lost their opening fixture 1-0 to Senegal at the Amman Stadium, Zanzibar on Tuesday night.
The team put up a lacklustre display in the Group D encounter.
Home Eagles registered their first shot on target in the first half on the 21st minute, when Sikiru Alimi’s tame effort was comfortably saved by the Senegalese goalkeeper.
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They barely tested the rear guard of their opponent after the break.
Speaking after the match, Chelle said it is important for his team to do better in their next game.
“So we need to improve our state of mind. We need to be more competitive, and once again—more aggressive,” Chelle told reporters.
“We will see. But for the games against Sudan and Congo, if we play like this, if we are scared about some things, we’ll come back to Nigeria.”
Nigeria will face Sudan, who earlier played a 1‑1 draw against Congo in the other Group D fixture.
