Some football enthusiasts in Aba have called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, to arrange more high-profile international friendlies for the national team.
The enthusiasts made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday while reacting to the Super Eagles’ 2-2 draw with Poland on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles twice took the lead in the friendly encounter but were pegged back on both occasions by the Polish side.
One of the respondents, James Obiukwu, said the Super Eagles would have secured victory but for the late goals conceded due to lapses in concentration.
“In spite of an impressive overall performance, both goals conceded highlighted a recurring weakness in the national team.
“The Super Eagles switched off at crucial moments, conceding once in the closing stages of the first half and again late in the second half,” he said.
Obiukwu urged the team to improve its concentration, game management and defensive communication ahead of its next friendly against Portugal.
Also speaking, Ugochukwu Obasi, commended the team’s performance but stressed the need for more Grade A friendlies to help perfect its strategies and tactical approach under Chelle.
He said the coaching crew should focus on strengthening the midfield to ensure quicker decision-making, effective recovery runs and greater sharpness.
According to him, the coach should strike a balance between youthful energy and experience in the midfield to cope with the intensity of top-level international matches.
Angela Nwachukwu, another football enthusiast, lauded Chelle for giving opportunities to new players against Poland and called for more chances for young talents in subsequent matches.
“I hope he will continue to give the new and younger players in the team more opportunities against Portugal and in future matches,” she said.
Nwachukwu noted that the younger players needed time and exposure to develop and gradually take over from ageing members of the squad to ensure continuity.
The Super Eagles will face Portugal in another international friendly on June 10 at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa Stadium in Leiria