Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has offered his honest assessment of Nigeria\u2019s 1-1 draw against Russia at the Luzhniki Stadium on Friday night, Soccernet.ng<\/a> reports.<\/strong><\/p>\n The Malian tactician acknowledged his team struggled to impose themselves early on but improved significantly after the break.<\/p>\n Speaking after the encounter, Chelle admitted that the opening half belonged to the hosts, who took full advantage of Nigeria\u2019s disjointed press and lack of cohesion.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was not an easy game,\u201d Chelle began. \u201cWe played against a very good team. Russia have a strong squad with a lot of pressure and technical quality.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The Franco-Malian tactician pointed out that the Super Eagles failed to execute their pressing style in the first half, which allowed Russia to dictate proceedings and take the lead through a defensive error.<\/p>\n \u201cWe did not play well in the first half,\u201d he said. \u201cWe didn\u2019t enforce our pressing game well. Russia had their chances in the first half, and they took it. We had ours, but the keeper saved it.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Chelle, however, praised his team\u2019s second-half reaction, which saw them level the score through substitute Tolu Arokodare, who capitalized on a poor pass from the Russian goalkeeper to score his first international goal.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the second half, we were better,\u201d he noted. \u201cOur pressing improved and that made a difference. Russia had two chances, we had one or two, and we scored.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n 71 MIN<\/p>\n GOAL<\/p>\n Tolu Arokodare<\/p>\n 1-1 <\/p>\n #Football411<\/a> #RUSNGA<\/a><\/p>\n pic.twitter.com\/fCRDxCkuOm<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Football 411 (@football__411) June 6, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Reflecting on the broader picture, Chelle revealed that squad rotation and unfamiliarity among players contributed to the team\u2019s tactical inconsistencies.<\/p>\n \u201cWe made lots of changes to the squad, and our usual pressing game was a bit difficult because the new players are yet to fully understand how we want to play,\u201d he explained. \u201cWe need to keep working on our playing pattern and try to find the right balance.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Looking ahead, Chelle emphasised the importance of refining the team\u2019s style as they prepare for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.<\/p>\n \u201cNow we\u2019re talking about the future of my team as we prepare for the World Cup qualifiers,\u201d he added. \u201cIt\u2019s important we find that consistency and improve.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to competitive fixtures as they aim to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
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