Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle and winger Moses Simon addressed the media in Uyo after Nigeria opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar.
Watch the Post Match Press conference, captured by Softfootball Media;
The Super Eagles found themselves behind after Madagascar struck first, but Nigeria responded strongly to turn the game around and claim all three points at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor both made memorable competitive debuts for Nigeria, finding the back of the net as the Super Eagles completed the comeback.
George Ilenikhena gets the equalizer after Madagascar took a shock early lead. – Photo Credit : Julie Sports, X
During the post-match press conference, Éric Chelle reflected on Nigeria’s performance and admitted that there were areas of the game that could have been better. However, the coach was pleased with the attitude shown by his players, particularly after conceding the opening goal.
The game was not bad, but not good too,
Chelle said.
The French coach praised the commitment of the squad, emphasising the players’ willingness to fight for the national team.
The state of mind was good. They gave everything for the jersey, for the country, and I was very happy.
Chelle also explained some of the tactical decisions he made during the encounter, including the changes required to break down Madagascar’s compact defensive shape.
When you play against a low block, you have to pass by the side… to make some crosses,”
he explained.
The Super Eagles boss also spoke about the integration of the new faces in the squad. According to Chelle, the experienced members of the team have played an important role in helping the new players settle into the national team environment.
When a new player comes, all of these guys take him like a little brother, little son,
Chelle said.
He also addressed the decision to replace Samuel Chukwueze during the match, explaining that the substitution was made to inject additional energy into the team.
I wanted to bring some energy in that team,
Chelle explained.
Attention now turns to Nigeria’s next AFCON qualifier against Guinea-Bissau. Chelle said the team must quickly move on from the Madagascar victory, study the performance and prepare for a different challenge in their next match.
Now we have to forget this game, analyse this game… and after we have a second game in Guinea-Bissau.
Moses Simon also had a special reason to celebrate after making his 100th appearance for the Super Eagles.
The experienced winger reflected on the milestone and described representing Nigeria as a huge honour, admitting that reaching a century of international appearances was something he had not expected when he began his career.
It’s a great privilege to play for the Super Eagles. This is a dream come true,
Simon said.
Simon also expressed his appreciation to his coaches, teammates, the media and Nigerian fans who have supported him throughout his international career.
Asked how many more times he hopes to represent the Super Eagles, the winger kept his response simple:
I don’t know. God decide, and the coach decide.
