What I told Osimhen, others after Zimbabwe heartbreak — Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle opens up

What I told Osimhen, others after Zimbabwe heartbreak — Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle opens up

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 12:31 - 27.03.2025

Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle has revealed his message to Nigeria's Super Eagles players in the dressing room after the 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe.

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has revealed his words to his players after their frustrating 1-1 draw in Uyo.

Nigeria took the lead in the 74th minute through Osimhen's trademark header, but the Warriors equalized in stoppage time, with Tawanda Chirewa scoring past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Chelle expressed his disappointment, saying, "We tried to score many goals, and after we scored, I told my players to continue trying to score another goal.

"We were a little tired. We need ten seconds to analyze this goal because we made a small mistake to concede the goal."

Eric Chelle of the Super Eagles. (Photo Credit: Pooja Media/X)

With only seven points from their first six matches in the qualifying campaign, Nigeria now trails group leaders South Africa by a daunting six points. 

Chelle also touched on the controversy surrounding Bafana Bafana and potential points deduction.

He told reporters after the game against Zimbabwe, “I told my players to look forward to second place. They did a great job during the ten days, so they deserve this qualification.

“I am trusting them, and maybe if South Africa loses three points, the last game is against Rwanda, so we can pass this team, and after that we have a game against South Africa.

“If it is true, we will see what happens in the coming days.”

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