-
Eric Chelle defended Oyowah selection after Nigeria’s 2–0 win over Congo.
-
The Super Eagles still exited at the group stage.
-
He admitted late prep but stood by his choice.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle defended his decision to include midfielder Alex Young Oyowah in Nigeria’s CHAN squad after Oyowah won Man of the Match in a 2–0 win over Congo.
Also Read: CHAN Quarter-Finals: Morocco and Kenya Seal Last-Eight Spots
The win came too late to stop Nigeria’s group-stage exit.
Chelle said preparations started late and that he added Oyowah just a week before departure.
He pushed back at critics and explained his reasoning plainly:
“The preparations for a CHAN tournament should start a year in advance,” – Chelle told CAF’s official website.
“I put Alex on the list a week before we left and many asked why I called up an unfamiliar player. We were not ready to participate in this edition — our players were not mentally prepared.” – He added.
However, Nigeria finished Group D with three points and placed behind Sudan and Senegal.
Chelle called the Oyowah pick deliberate and defensible, and urged earlier planning and stronger mental preparation for future squads.
