Eric Chelle has challenged the Super Eagles to play without fear when they face Zimbabwe in the semi-finals of the Unity Cup in London, Footynaija reports.
Nigeria will head into the tournament as defending champions, with Jamaica and India also participating in the four-team competition scheduled for May 26 to May 30.
However, the event represents more than simply chasing another trophy for Chelle, as the Franco-Malian coach continues rebuilding the Super Eagles ahead of future assignments, including the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
The 48-year-old reflected on Nigeria’s frustrating 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in Uyo last year but insisted the result did not show how dominant his side were.
“We couldn’t beat Zimbabwe in Uyo, but if you watch the game again, you will see that we played 1-1, but the reality is that we had ten to fifteen chances to score a goal. Of course, Zimbabwe is a good team, but we don’t need to be scared of this team,” Chelle told Proudly Austin.
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Chelle admitted Zimbabwe remain dangerous opponents but said Nigeria must concentrate on its own qualities instead of worrying about the opposition.
“We come with our strengths and weaknesses, just like this team, and it will be a great game. We cannot predict the outcome of the game. We want to have a great game first. I am just focused on the players because this is the most important thing.”
The former Mali coach also explained why he invited several new players for the Unity Cup.
“This is not a question of winning the trophy; this is about giving them a chance. This is a big team, and the other motivation is that we want to find a player who can bring something new. They have to work.
“If you want to do this kind of job, you have to start one or two years earlier. We have the AFCON qualifiers in September, so we are starting the job. If God says I’m the coach of the national team in September, the job will be good.”
“We have four games. I want to win these four games, but we don’t know if I will lose all four games. In football, when something happens, it can be good or bad.”
Nigeria have a decent record against Zimbabwe’s Warriors with the Super Eagles registering four wins, four draws and a defeat in their nine most recent meetings.
