Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is confident Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has dismissed concerns over the absence of William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, and Benjamin Fredrick, affirming his absolute trust in the remaining squad members to deliver at AFCON 2025.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has expressed complete confidence in his squad despite the forced absence of three pivotal defenders ahead of Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations opener.
Speaking in Fès before Tuesday’s clash with Tanzania, Chelle addressed the void left by former captain William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, and rising star Benjamin Fredrick.
The coach maintained that while he would have preferred a full-strength roster, he remains calm about the collective strength of his team.
The defensive lineup underwent a significant shift following Troost-Ekong’s recent international retirement and injuries to Aina and Fredrick.
Aina, a standout at the previous tournament, was excluded to focus on rebuilding fitness, while Fredrick suffered a knee injury in November.
Despite these setbacks, Chelle emphasized a holistic approach to the team’s tactics. “I am not worried. I trust my guys. Of course I would have loved to have all of the players in the team,” the manager stated.
Nigeria enters the tournament in Morocco aiming for a fourth continental title under the guidance of the former Mali coach.
Chelle insists that the responsibility for defensive stability lies with the entire unit rather than specific individuals.
“We will work a lot on defence but it is not only about the defenders but all the players as a whole,” he added. The Super Eagles must navigate a group featuring Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda to advance toward their goal.