Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle and team captain William Troost-Ekong addressed the media on Monday ahead of Nigeria’s crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Zimbabwe, set to take place on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Chelle, who recently celebrated his managerial debut with a 2-0 victory over Rwanda, provided insights into the team’s preparation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and discipline ahead of the encounter.
“We had a productive training session yesterday, and we plan to wrap up our preparations this evening. The players are in good spirits, and we understand the significance of this match,” Chelle stated during the press conference.
The Nigerian coach further disclosed that he has held multiple discussions with the players to reinforce their commitment to the qualification campaign.
“I’ve had discussions with the squad, and our focus must remain on Zimbabwe. We know it’s going to be a difficult game, so we need to put in the hard work and ensure we perform at our best,” he added.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong also addressed the media, stressing that the team had put the Rwanda victory behind them and was fully focused on the Zimbabwe fixture.
“There are no easy games in Africa. Every team is strong, and we must be ready for anything. We’re preparing to keep improving and are looking forward to tomorrow’s game,” said Ekong, who has earned 76 caps for Nigeria since making his debut in 2015.
The center-back highlighted the players’ dedication to ensuring a strong performance and their commitment to delivering results in the qualification campaign.
Ekong also praised Chelle’s influence on the squad, crediting him for instilling a tactical system that has helped the players adapt quickly.
“We have intelligent players who understand what the coach wants. We need to apply ourselves, show our quality, and execute the game plan properly,” he stated.
Nigeria heads into the encounter sitting in 4th place in Group C, having secured just one win from five matches, while Zimbabwe remains bottom of the group with no victories so far.
With the stakes high for both teams, the Super Eagles will be eager to claim maximum points and boost their chances of advancing in the qualifiers.
Kickoff for the crucial match between Nigeria and Zimbabwe is scheduled for 5:00 PM at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Gamble Responsibly