Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has responded to concerns over his side’s defensive record as the Super Eagles prepare for their AFCON 2025 quarter-final encounter with Algeria on Saturday.
The three-time African champions have impressed going forward at the tournament, registering 12 goals in four matches to emerge as one of the most entertaining teams in the competition.
Despite their attacking brilliance, questions have been raised about Nigeria’s vulnerability at the back after conceding four goals so far, with Tunisia scoring twice, while Tanzania and Uganda each found the net once.
Addressing the issue in a press conference, Chelle dismissed suggestions that only Nigeria face defensive challenges, insisting Algeria are also yet to be seriously tested.
“Our situation is not very different from theirs,” Chelle said. “They also haven’t faced very strong opponents. Everyone can have their opinion. The reality is we scored many goals and we conceded some.”
The Franco-Malian coach explained that his philosophy is centered on constant improvement and attacking football, while admitting that defensive solidity remains vital in tournament football.
“I always want the team to progress from one match to another,” he stated. “Sometimes people complain when you don’t score, but the supporters enjoy coming to watch us play. Football is about goals.”
Chelle recalled the promise he made when he was appointed, stressing that his focus from the beginning was on building an exciting, attacking team.
“When I took this job, I said clearly that my aim was for us to score goals. That has been my message from the start,” he added. “But if you truly want to win a competition, you must also be strong defensively.”
He also pointed to the absence of key defenders as a factor, noting that Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong and Benjamin Frederick are currently unavailable.
“We are missing important players, but we work every day to improve — in defense, midfield and attack,” Chelle concluded.
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