Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has explained that the team dropped off their intensity in the Unity Cup 2025 semi-final win over Ghana due to his high demands, Afrosport reports.
Nigeria were quick off the blocks at the Gtech Community Stadium with a 2-0 lead after 19 minutes courtesy of Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers and an own goal by Razak Simpson.
Ghana were however able to grow in the game in the closing stages and scored a consolation goal through Coventry City forward Brandon Thomas-Asante in the 70th minute.
The Black Stars put the Super Eagles under immense pressure from there but were denied on multiple occasions by the heroics of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Chelle, speaking after the match, said he demands his players to always maintain a high press for 90 minutes but they are not used to it.
“My philosophy is [that] I want to make some high pressure on the pitch, but the system is very difficult for the players,” the Malian said.
“My dream is that I want my team to keep up the high pressure for 90 minutes. But I think it is impossible. So we need to work and improve.”
Chelle added: “Since I’ve been the coach of this team, I’ve had maybe seven or eight training sessions. We have played three games — two wins and one draw. We need to improve. We need to work. The players need to know what I want,” he said.
“I think we made a great first half and in the second half we were tired. My guys, I’m so proud of them because they fight. It was difficult, but I see that they deserve — we deserve — the victory.”
What. A. Game.
2 –
1
Naija edged it in a true clash of the titans!
Big love to Ghana for bringing the fireBut now… it’s a Caribbean vs Afrobeats showdown
Nigeria
see you in the final!#UnityCup2025 pic.twitter.com/NEeRJuZUMv
— The Unity Cup 2025 (@TheUnityCup) May 29, 2025
Nigeria will face Jamaica in the Unity Cup 2025 final on Saturday at the Gtech Community Stadium.
