Eric Chelle has criticised the Super Eagles for allowing Tanzania back into Friday’s 3-1 victory in Uyo, saying his players gave their opponents an opportunity they had done little to earn after taking an early lead, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria made a perfect start at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium when Alhassan Yusuf scored in the second minute, but the hosts failed to protect their advantage as Alphonce Msanga equalised for Tanzania in the 32nd minute.
The goal meant Nigeria went into the break level despite taking control early in the match, forcing Chelle to demand a stronger response from his players.
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Speaking at his post-match press conference, the Super Eagles coach used an unusual expression to describe how Nigeria allowed Tanzania to get back into the contest.
“When you lead and after you take a goal, they have nothing, and you give them something to eat. So they took it,” Chelle said, as reported by Pulse Sports.
The Franco-Malian coach, however, was pleased with how his players reacted after conceding, insisting that they needed the right mentality to regain control and win the match.
“After, we need to have a good state of mind to come back in the game to make the difference. This is what they did, so I’m happy for them,” he added.
Nigeria responded strongly after the break, with Chelle introducing Tolu Arokodare and Moses Usor at half-time.
Arokodare made the difference with two goals in eight minutes, first finishing Wilfred Ndidi’s delivery in the 52nd minute before turning in Usor’s cross in the 60th minute.
The victory moved Nigeria to six points from three Group L matches, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who drew 1-1 with Madagascar.
However, Chelle was quick to remind his players that the job was not finished, with the Super Eagles due to face Tanzania again in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17.
“The most important is the next game,” he stressed.
