'Zanzibar play well, they're fast' – Super Eagles coach Chelle talks up opponents ahead of friendly

Head coach of the home-based Super Eagles, Éric Chelle, has expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation and hailed Zanzibar’s playing style ahead of their friendly clash on Monday. 

Speaking during a pre-match press conference in Zanzibar, Chelle provided insights into the team’s training regime and tactical objectives as they gear up for the 2024 African Nations Championship.

"About our preparation, we started two weeks ago by a first camp in Ikenne near Lagos," Chelle began. 

"So we did work a lot—physically, tactically, and of course technically. And now, we continue our preparation here in Zanzibar.”

Chelle thanked the hosts for their hospitality, adding, "Thank you for welcoming again. Thank you very much."

He commended the facilities in Zanzibar, which he believes will further aid their training plans. 

"The structure is in Zanzibar. I think you have some good structure. So your environment is perfect for us. We can work again tactically and technically."

Looking ahead to Monday’s fixture, Chelle said, "We have a great game tomorrow against Zanzibar. I think this is a good team with great technical staff, with good players. 

"It will be a great game, and we need to prepare and play against a team like Zanzibar."

He described the encounter as a valuable test for his team ahead of CHAN 2024. 

"For us, it’s a very good thing to prepare for the CHAN. Our ambitions during the CHAN are to take the games one-on-one, one after another, and we will see what we can do in this competition."

Having watched Zanzibar’s recent matches, Chelle acknowledged their strengths. 

"I did watch one or two games about Zanzibar. They play well. They are fast because there are a lot of players who can run fast, and they keep the ball too."

He continued: “They have a striker who can keep the ball—he’s good. I think they put some intensity with and without the ball. 

"When they get the ball back, they try to finish quickly, and after that they try to keep the ball."

Chelle concluded: "This is a good game project. I like this game project. I’m very happy to be here."

Éric Chelle’s side arrived in Zanzibar on Friday for the second phase of their preparation for the CHAN 2024 finals. 

They will face Zanzibar in the first friendly on Monday, July 28, with the second friendly scheduled for Thursday, July 31.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group D and will face Senegal, Sudan, and Congo. 

The Home Eagles will begin their campaign against holders Senegal at the Amman Stadium on Wednesday, August 7.

Wale Adejumo

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com