The Super Eagles have completed their final training session at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia.
Here are some clips, from the training
Nigeria held the session on Monday, October 5, with head coach Éric Chelle and his coaching staff using the final workout to put the finishing touches on the team’s preparations for the encounter.
The Super Eagles will take on Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, October 6, with kick-off scheduled for 5:00 PM Nigerian time.
Nigeria and Russia last met in an international friendly that ended in a 1-1 draw. Semi Ajayi put the ball into his own net before Tolu Arokodare restored parity for the Super Eagles.
Chelle Wants More Intensity From Nigeria
Speaking ahead of the game, Chelle explained that several clubs were reluctant to release some of their players for the friendly, which forced Nigeria to bring a number of younger players into the squad.
The coach said the situation has also created an opportunity for the youngsters to demonstrate what they are capable of against a strong Russian side.
“We lost our last game, but the expectation for this game is to give them an opportunity to show what they can do against a big team. They are very motivated.”
Chelle also admitted that Nigeria’s previous performance lacked the intensity and aggression he expects from his team.
He believes Tuesday’s match provides an opportunity to see a different Super Eagles side, particularly against a Russian team he feels plays with considerable intensity when out of possession.
“The first factor was because the intensity of our team was not good. The aggressiveness too. Tomorrow, this is not the same team again.”
The French coach wants his players to replicate some of the qualities he has observed in Russia, particularly their work rate and aggression without the ball.
“They put a lot of intensity when they don’t have the ball, and a lot of aggressiveness. My belief is that I want my team to look like this team.”
Super Eagles Target Victory
Despite the experimental nature of the squad, Chelle insists Nigeria did not travel to Russia simply to participate.
The coach acknowledged the long journey but made it clear that the Super Eagles’ objective is to compete for victory while giving the younger players an opportunity to prove themselves.
“We didn’t come here to lose. We cannot fly long hours to come here to lose. We come here to win also.”
Chelle also rejected the idea that the younger players should be considered secondary members of the squad, insisting that every player has an important role to play.
“I am not the only star. Every young player in the team are stars, and stars to win.”
With the final training session now completed, the Super Eagles will turn their attention to Tuesday’s encounter as Chelle looks for a disciplined, aggressive and high-intensity performance against Russia.
Nigeria will be hoping to produce a stronger display and end the international window with a positive result in Nizhny Novgorod.
