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Intense Tactical Approach Inspires Super Eagles B Players
Super Eagles B players Sola Adelani and Godwin Adedayo have expressed their admiration for head coach Eric Chelle’s rigorous tactical strategy, highlighting its aggressive nature, high demands, and essential role in Nigeria’s aspirations for the 2024 African Nations Championship.
Adelani shared that the coach has made it clear he expects full commitment and physical dominance from every player as they prepare for the continental tournament. Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s final warm-up match against Zanzibar, Adelani compared the atmosphere under Chelle to playing for a top European side.
“The team has come a long way,” said Adelani, who plays for Ikorodu City. “Playing here feels like representing the German national team in terms of intensity.”
“Like our coach always says, if you are not a warrior, you can’t play football. If you’re soft or afraid to get stuck in, you can’t survive in this game. You need to have the heart of a lion to step onto the pitch and give your all.”
Adelani praised Chelle’s encouraging style and focus on courage and relentless effort. He emphasized how the coach’s belief in the players has had a significant impact on his performance.
“I really like the coach because he believes in us. He told me, ‘Shola, if you have the ball, go one-on-one. Even if you lose it, it’s not a problem. Just keep trying.’ He doesn’t want us to play with fear. If you lose the ball, you’re expected to chase it back and win it again. That kind of confidence pushes me to keep going.”
Nigeria, competing in Group D alongside title holders Senegal, Sudan, and Congo, has never won the CHAN title despite finishing as runners-up in 2018. The team missed the last edition but secured their spot this year by defeating arch-rivals Ghana 3–1 on aggregate, with hopes of achieving greater success this time around.
With a record $10.4 million prize pool announced by CAF for the 2024 edition, including $3.5 million for the champions, the stakes are higher than ever. For Remo Stars forward Olamilekan Adedayo, the motivation extends beyond financial rewards, as it is deeply personal.
“We’re definitely improving, and with the commitment we’ve shown, we’re giving it everything,” Adedayo said. “For me, it’s been a long journey. I was dropped from the U-17s. I didn’t make the cut for the U-23s either. But now I’m here.”
He credited Chelle’s belief in his ability for his inclusion in the final squad. “This coach believed in me. He saw something in my style of play and gave me the chance. That’s how I made the final list for the CHAN tournament. I was so happy because I know it was my performances in training and matches that earned me this opportunity.”
Adedayo described Chelle as a coach who demands complete commitment and energy from his players. “He’s incredible, I’ve never met anyone like him. He wants everything: intensity, aggressiveness, total commitment. He wants it all, and that’s made me push myself more than ever before.”
Despite a goalless draw in their first warm-up match against Zanzibar earlier in the week, both players remain optimistic about their chances. The Eagles B will play their first two group matches on the island of Zanzibar before facing Congo in Dar es Salaam.
“As a team, we always remind ourselves that we’re not here to settle for second or third place,” Adedayo added. “Our target is the gold medal, nothing less. And I believe, with all certainty, that we can achieve it.”
