Super Eagles Players United Ahead Algeria Clash, Says Chelle
Coach Eric Chelle has revealed that the players have put the Nations Cup bonus issue behind them and will focus on defeating Algeria in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
Reports emerged on Wednesday that the players, and officials threatened to boycott training and to travel to Marrakech for the encounter.
However, The Federal Government announced that the players have started receiving their bonuses on Thursday.
Chelle revealed that the team will remain united to achieve their objective in Morocco.
He said: “It’s crucial for me to maintain focus on the pitch. While energy matters, the mindset is paramount. Our group will remain united.
“This match is critical against a formidable opponent. We are in the process of determining our game-plan. I hold a deep respect for this Algerian team; their staff operates with exceptional professionalism. I’m not dwelling on revenge for 2019. My priority is to compete fiercely and secure qualification.”
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Algeria defeated Nigeria the last time both sides clashed at the 2019 Nations Cup in the semi-final with Riyad Mahrez scoring the winner.
Similarly, Algeria coach, Vladimir Petković, is confident that his team will emerge victorious on Saturday.
He said: “The most important thing is the state of mind. It all starts from there, and from that point of view, we are irreproachable. We have the reliability and the quality.
“Tomorrow, we need to be just as good defensively as offensively. That will be paramount. All the details will matter against Nigeria. Nothing should be left to chance. We have the quality. We believe in ourselves and we just have to play a big game.”
The Super Eagles have not tasted victory against the North African country since a 3-1 triumph in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo in November 2016.
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Saturday’s match will be the 25th clash between both teams at senior level, with the Fennecs having won 10 times and the Eagles having clinched victory on nine occasions in regulation time.
Five previous confrontations have ended in draws, but the Eagles claimed a penalty shootout win in one of them – a semi final encounter at the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations also hosted by Morocco. After the regulation and extra time ended 1-1, Nigeria won 9-8 in a penalty shootout that went into sudden death and saw some players kicking twice.
The match is slated for 5pm Nigerian time on Saturday at the Stade de Marrakech Stadium.
