Chelle however, added that he had to take the risk because Nigeria needed to win the encounter.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Super Eagles Head coach, Eric Chelle, has admitted that he made a technical mistake during his team’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa on Tuesday.
He made the confession while speaking to reporters after the hosts held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
In the game, Bafana Bafana took the lead in the 22nd minute after Nigeria captain, William Troost-Ekong scored an unfortunate own-goal.
Chelle’s men, however, equalized through Fulham defender, Calvin Bassey before half time.
While analysing the match, Chelle suggested that the risk his team took to stay one-on-one behind against the hosts in the first half resulted in Super Eagles conceding the own goal.
ALSO READ: South Africa hold Nigeria to 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein
He, however, added that he had to take such risk because Nigeria needed to win the encounter.
Chelle said, “For me it was a great game, with al ot of intensity and aggressivity.
“Because of the pitch, the two teams tried to play well. Congratulations to South Africa they played a great game, Nigeria team too.
“We wanted to take a risk in the first half to stay one-on-one behind because for us the win was what we wanted.
“We wanted to take a risk and just 22 minutes we took a goal, but after that we had the state of mind to come back.”
Nigeria now sit in third position in Group C behind South Africa and Benin Republic, who occupy the first and second positions respectively.
