We weren’t ready and prepared - 'Sorry' Eric Chelle blows hot, defends Super Eagles disastrous CHAN 2024 outing

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has broken his silence on Nigeria’s disappointing performance at CHAN 2024, offering an explanation and admitting that the team was woefully unprepared for the tournament debacle that left the nation embarrassed.

Speaking to CAFonline, the Franco-Malian coach began by apologising to Nigerians and the country for the poor showing as reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria.

Beyond tactical issues and player effort, Chelle pointed to deeper problems that handicapped the Super Eagles team well before the tournament kicked off.

“The preparations for a CHAN tournament should start a year in advance,” Chelle explained.

“For example, the player who won the Man of the Match award against Congo, Alex, I put him on our list a week before we left. Everyone questioned why I called him up when he’s relatively unknown.”

He was frank about the mental readiness of the squad, saying, “We weren’t ready to participate in this tournament. Anyone who attended our training sessions could see that our players weren’t mentally prepared for this version of the CHAN.”

Nigeria’s Super Eagles endured a tough campaign, crashing out after losing their opening two games against Senegal and Sudan.

They managed a consolation 2-0 win over Congo in their final group stage match, thanks to goals from Anas Yusuf, the top scorer in the NPFL last season, and Sikiru Alimi, but it was too little, too late to salvage pride.

Chelle’s admission., however, spotlights the urgent need for structural reforms and better long-term planning if Nigeria is to compete effectively in future CHAN tournaments and restore the nation’s standing in African football.