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Super Eagles assistant coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has backed head coach Eric Chelle’s decision to maintain Nigeria’s defensive shape after substituting Victor Osimhen in the 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo on Tuesday, March 25, Footynaija.com reports.
Chelle opted to introduce an attacking player rather than a defensive reinforcement following Osimhen’s exit, a move that sparked criticism from some Nigerian football fans who believed a defensive switch could have secured all three points.
Ilechukwu explained the reasoning behind the decision, emphasizing the team’s attacking intent and trust in their defensive setup.
“I want us to talk about the change in the team, a team that created almost eight or nine chances and we didn’t convert the chances,” Ilechukwu told Lagos Talks 91.3.
“I think at that point in time, he’s a coach that works with everyone, he’s a coach that came with his unity and philosophy. All what we are doing in the team, we are doing it together.”
The assistant coach highlighted that the Super Eagles believed they could score multiple goals and did not anticipate conceding against Zimbabwe.
“In that game, we believed we would score more than two goals. We were looking for ways to score and didn’t think that, with the kind of defence we have, Zimbabwe would be able to break through and score a goal.”
He also pointed out that creating chances does not always guarantee victory, drawing a comparison to Rangers’ recent match.
“It’s normal, just like what happened in Rangers yesterday. We lost but created more than nine chances. The coach is working with all of us and we are together with him. We have an advantage to qualify and we must qualify.”
The result was a setback for Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes, leaving the Super Eagles in a challenging position. With four games remaining, they must respond quickly and secure crucial victories to stay in contention for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
