Former Crewe Alexandra and Nigeria defender George Abbey has slammed Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle for some of decisions during Nigeria’s potentially costly draw with Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifiers, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria set out to rescue their hopes of securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup under the tutelage of newly appointed Franco-Malian head coach Chelle after a less than ideal start to the qualification campaign.
Chelle’s debut in the dugout was marked by a comfortable victory over Rwanda at the Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali. However, his second game in charge didn’t go the same way, with the Super Eagles conceding in the dying embers of the game and forced to settle for a draw with Zimbabwe.
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Abbey, who won 18 international caps for Nigeria between 2003 and 2007, believes Chelle ‘made a mistake’ with his team selection and subsequently his substitutions against the Warriors with those decisions eventually proving costly.
“I believe Chelle made a mistake with the selection. He tried to accommodate all his best players rather than pick the best team,” Abbey said in an interview with Brila FM.
“There’s no reason to play Ola Aina, who’s been excellent at right-back, at left-back when Onyemaechi is on the bench. The same goes for Lookman and Iwobi, who were played out of position.”
Abbey also called out the Super Eagles players for failing to manage the game better and protect their narrow lead in the closing stages.
“As players on the field, with just five minutes remaining, there’s no need to be pushing forward. They should have held onto the 1-0 lead and secured the three points,” he continued.
“Players need to step up. Experienced players from big European teams should know how to manage a crucial game. They need to show some humility.
“Although it [qualification] is still possible, we must win the next match and hope the other outcomes work in our favour.”
