'This camp was difficult' - Chelle reflects on challenges faced by Super Eagles before Cheetahs clash

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has opened up about the difficulties his team encountered during their preparations for Tuesday's crucial World Cup qualifying match against Benin's Cheetahs in Uyo.

Currently third with fourteen points, Nigeria can still claim top spot in Group C with a win over the Cheetahs, if South Africa stumble against Rwanda in the other fixture.

Chelle noted that logistical issues had made the October camp particularly challenging, with limited time available for proper training and tactical preparation.

Ahead of their clash with Lesotho, several players arrived late owing to visa complications, and the team's flight was delayed in Luanda for a day after a cracked windscreen grounded the plane, resulting in the loss of a full training session.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Eric Chelle told reporters: “This camp was very difficult because we didn't have many training sessions due to visa issues and flight delays. We only managed to train on Monday.”

Despite the challenges, the Super Eagles boss stressed the need to maintain a positive atmosphere within the squad and to ensure the players remain mentally strong ahead of their encounter with the Cheetahs.

"My first instinct is to bring something positive to my players, that's the most important thing. 

"That's why I said we need to push these guys, especially mentally. For our second training session, I will try to add something positive again."

Chelle stressed that every detail matters in preparation for such a high-stakes fixture.

"I have to speak my mind to the players. I need to think about this game first, we need to win. If I say maybe two or three goals, something could happen during the game.

"I need to think about every aspect of the game. We need to stay focused on our game plan and on how our players are feeling, at this moment, tomorrow morning, in the afternoon, and before the match.

"We need to check everything. Like I said, we come first, and after that, my group, our game project, and the match itself."

In need of goals to boost their goal difference and leapfrog Benin in the standings, Eric Chelle is expected to adopt an attacking approach and set his side up to go all out for victory tomorrow evening.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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