Eric Chelle has put his name on the line before Friday’s AFCON 2027 qualifier against Tanzania in Uyo, telling reporters that a win over the Taifa Stars would be his credit — and a defeat his responsibility.
The Super Eagles coach spoke at Thursday’s pre-match press conference at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, a day before the Group L Matchday 3 fixture kicks off at 17:00 WAT. Nigeria go into the game second in the group on three points, behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, after a 2-1 home win over Madagascar and a 3-0 defeat in Bissau.
Eric Chelle Tanzania: ‘The state of mind is the most important thing’
Chelle did not hide behind his squad selection. “I know the group and the players I selected. If we win, I take the credit, and if we lose, I take responsibility,” he said, in comments reported by P.M. News.
He added that mood would matter as much as tactics. “The attitude and enthusiasm are very important. The state of mind of the players is the most important thing in a game,” Chelle said.
The coach said the team had a clear plan and needed to remain focused, with intensity and aggression. Tanzania, already qualified for the finals as co-hosts, have nothing at stake — and Chelle called that a good test for his players. He also said visiting teams should feel in Uyo the kind of pressure Nigeria felt in Bissau.
On leaving goalkeeper Maduka Okoye out of the 24-man squad, Chelle said his decisions were based on his assessment of the players and the team’s needs. Victor Osimhen is out injured after knee surgery, while Samuel Chukwueze is also sidelined.
Arokodare: the goals will come — and Gamondi promises Tanzania will attack
Striker Tolu Arokodare, who also spoke at the press conference, admitted he has yet to score for Nigeria at the rate he does for Ajax. “I haven’t really scored as much with the national team. But I think it’s fair to say that every time I’ve come here, whether playing or not, I’ve done my part in helping and supporting the team,” he said. “Playing for your country and playing for a club are different, with different styles and dynamics.” Arokodare has two goals in 12 caps for Nigeria and said the players understood what was at stake and would work together to secure maximum points on Friday.
Tanzania coach Miguel Ángel Gamondi accepted Nigeria’s attacking strength but said his side would not simply defend. “Our mentality is not to play defensive football; we will also attack Nigeria. We cannot afford to make mistakes in a match like this because we will be punished for any error,” he said. Gamondi added that a win in Uyo would be a significant achievement for a team already through to the finals.
What is at stake in Uyo
The maths is simple. Guinea-Bissau lead Group L on seven points after Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Madagascar, and with Tanzania already qualified as co-hosts, the real race for the group’s one remaining ticket is between Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar. A win on Friday would take Chelle’s side to six points, one behind the leaders, before Tuesday’s return leg at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Chelle has already demanded six points from the double-header, and his press-conference words leave no room for excuses: the coach has made Friday night a referendum on himself. Our full match preview backs the Super Eagles to win 2-0 in Uyo, while Tanzania insist they are not scared of the trip. For more on the qualifiers, check today’s predictions.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA) — collage by SportsBuddy
