Eric Chelle responds to Super Eagles critics ahead of Tanzania clash

With Nigeria preparing for a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Tanzania, Eric Chelle has defended his selection decisions and challenged critics to understand the reasons behind certain absences.

In an exclusive interview with Foot Africa in Uyo, the coach also explained why he wants his players to approach the encounter with a particular mentality.

Chelle demands a 'killer state of mind' from Super Eagles

Chelle believes Nigeria's attitude will be more important than tactical preparations when his team takes the pitch against Tanzania on Friday.

The coach insisted that his players must approach the encounter with the right mentality, describing it as a decisive factor in how the team performs.

"Like I said every time about the state of mind, you know, this is the most important thing. You have to enter on that pitch with a killer state of mind. So, after when you put this attitude on the pitch, after it's easy.

"Because now you can speak about tactically, but the most important once again is the attitude. So, this is why every time the choices are difficult because you have to feel, you have to think about the attitude. And this is not a question about one guy or two guys. This is a question about players and officials. So, the state of mind is the most important."

Read More: AFA makes major decision on Lionel Scaloni's future with Argentina

The coach also expressed satisfaction with the team's preparations, revealing that the players had completed a demanding training session lasting more than two hours.

He said the squad was motivated and ready for the final training session before the Tanzania encounter, despite the pressure surrounding the fixture.

Chelle defends fresh faces and addresses injury absences

The Super Eagles coach also responded to criticism and questions about his selection decisions, insisting that every player called up has something to contribute.

Among the fresh faces and returning players in the squad are Abdullahi Bewene, Samson Tijani, Suleiman Mubarak and Tochukwu Nnadi. Chelle explained that his decision to bring in new options was deliberate and did not mean that players left out had lost their place in his plans permanently.

"The national team is not close for everybody. If they are here, it's because I think they deserve to be here. They have something to bring. They have something to bring, some new things.

"And for the others, the players that are not in the squad or in the group, for that, if I will do, like I said, it doesn't mean that the choice is done. For that game, I was thinking to bring something new. I will try something tomorrow. And it's like that."

Chelle also challenged critics to establish the reasons behind certain absences before questioning his decisions, specifically mentioning Frank Onyeka and George Ilenikhena, who were unavailable because of injuries.

"I am surprised because, like you know, I'm not on social media. Some people, they send me a lot of things. And I'm surprised because there is no question. There is no question about the group, about the players. And once again, if you have to tell me something, you can go straight. And if I want to give you an answer, I give you.

"You know, for example, I saw that a lot of people speak about, yeah, why Frank Onyeka is not here. But you know that this guy has an injury? I heard that George Ilenikhena is not here. But do you know that this guy has an injury? Yeah. But before you, some of you didn't know. So I think everybody needs to stay calm."

The coach concluded by accepting full responsibility for the decisions he has made, insisting that he would not shift the blame if Nigeria fail to get the desired result.

"I am the first. I have the responsibility. And if I have to take my responsibility, I will take it. I will take it. So if we win, this is the player. If we lose, this is my responsibility. And I'm totally agree with that. So I take my responsibility. I made the group. And I know why I made this group."

Nigeria face Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13, in their third Group L match of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

Read More: Ajax striker opens up on his Super Eagles struggles despite impressive club form