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The head coach of Nigeria's Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has defended his choice not to bring on the team's primary penalty taker, William Troost-Ekong, when it became clear that their match against DR Congo would be decided by a shootout.
Chelle faced criticism for keeping the defender on the bench throughout Nigeria’s intense penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo.
When many expected the Malian coach to substitute in the 32-year-old, he instead chose to bring on Chidozie Awaziem during the last ten minutes of extra time.
After the match, Chelle spoke to reporters in the mixed zone, stating that he wouldn’t dwell on the loss but needs to concentrate on the upcoming competition.
“We practiced penalties yesterday. However, it was a decision I made, and if we had to replay the situation an hour later, it might have been different,” he explained.
“It was a decision based on the fact that I felt we were vulnerable during the final ten minutes, which is why I opted for another defender.”
“It’s easy to say now that perhaps the best choice would have been the captain. Ultimately, it was a decision, and the reality is that we lost. Now, I need to focus on the next tournament,” he concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Coach Eric Chelle not use William Troost-Ekong during the penalty shootout?
Chelle explained that he made a tactical decision based on the game's dynamics, feeling that the team was vulnerable during the final minutes and opted for a different defender instead.
What did Chelle say about the team's preparation for penalties?
Chelle mentioned that the team had practiced penalties the day before the match, but he felt the decision-making in the moment was crucial.
