'He said a lot' – Kwara United captain opens up on what Eric Chelle told him after CHAN axe

Kabiru Muhammad has lifted the lid on the heart-to-heart conversation he had with coach Eric Chelle after missing out on Nigeria’s final squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Muhammad was one of twelve players dropped from Chelle’s initial provisional squad, as the Malian tactician named a final 23-man list to represent the country.

Speaking to All Nigeria Soccer, the defender admitted that the omission came as a shock to many players.

"He said a lot to me because when they called the list some players were shocked that I was not in the list," Muhammad told allnigeriasoccer.com.

"He came to the dinning and said in front of the players that Muhammad you're a very good player and I love everything about you.

"You just have to keep pushing, you are a good player and I love everything about you. I will be watching you from your club.

"I wish you were with the team, you are a good player but I just have to make this decision.”

The Kwara United captain further provided insight into Chelle’s demanding coaching style, likening him to Matjaž Kek, the Slovenian tactician who managed HNK Rijeka during the 2017/2018 season.

"He is the type of person that I have worked with before. There's this Matjaž Kek, the coach at HNK Rijeka.

"They are similar. He hates when you lose the ball, you start walking, or you hang on the ball too much.

"Everybody has to move, when you lose the ball, you have to play like an animal, a beast. He is good at tactical training and it is always about intensity.

"If you're not that type of player you cannot cope with his pattern of play because he loves players to work very hard."

Despite the setback, Muhammad has extended his best wishes to the Super Eagles B team and is determined to maintain his impressive form when the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) resumes in August.

The Super Eagles B team is currently intensifying preparations for the CHAN tournament, with two friendly matches scheduled against Zanzibar as part of their build-up. 

Nigeria will be aiming to win the CHAN title for the first time in its history.

Adeyemi Adewale

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