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Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has vowed that his side will deliver “the best game of our lives” when they face Sudan in a decisive CHAN 2024 group clash on Tuesday evening in Zanzibar, Footynaija.com reports.
Chelle’s men are under pressure after a narrow 1-0 defeat to defending champions Senegal in their opening fixture.
The Franco-Malian tactician, however, insists his squad is fully focused on turning their fortunes around at the Amaan Stadium against Sudan.
“We are focused on our next game. This game against Sudan is a big game for us. Last training session for us today to be ready for tomorrow,” Chelle said at Monday’s pre-match press conference.
“I just want to win the game. The game will have a lot of intensity. I don’t think about the journalists or the camera when the game is on. When I’m happy or unhappy, it’s just me doing my job.”
Sudan drew their first game against Congo but with one point, they stay ahead of Nigeria in Group D.
With both sides seeking their first win of the tournament, Chelle admitted the stakes are high.
“We are ambitious, and we just want to win tomorrow’s game. There is a lot of pressure, but we are together,” he said.
Asked about Nigeria’s record of still reaching CHAN semi-finals despite losing opening group games in the past, Chelle was clear:
“I don’t think about what happened before. I’m just focused on the game tomorrow. I think about a positive attitude, and work on our mistakes. This game will determine what happens after.”
The coach also hinted that a victory could ignite a deeper run in the competition.
“If we win this game, we will become more ambitious. We have worked very hard in the past week, and tomorrow, we will play the best game of our lives.”
Injury concerns have forced changes to the squad, with first-choice goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena ruled out. U20 shot-stopper Ebenezer Harcourt has been drafted in as cover.
“Left-back Taiwo Abdulrafiu is okay. However, the reality is that Ani Ozoemena is injured, and we just had to bring Ebenezer in, and I trust him,” Chelle confirmed.
This is the second meeting between Nigeria and Sudan at the CHAN. The Super Eagles claimed a narrow 1-0 win in a semifinal clash at CHAN 2018.
