Chelle emphasized the importance of staying focused and executing their game plan. 'The camp has been good, and we need to be focused on our game and our project. Rwanda has a great team with a new coach, and they will be eager to win, but so are we. After our final training session, we will be ready for this match,' he said.
As the first non-Nigerian African coach to lead the Super Eagles, he dismissed any added personal motivation and instead highlighted his commitment to the team.
'I just want to be with my players every day, working with them, focusing on this game. The Nigerian people are waiting for a win, and we will do everything to deliver,' he said.
Captain William Troost-Ekong echoed his coach's sentiments, underlining the significance of the encounter. 'We are here for one job. Everybody knows how important this game is for us. We want to win, we need to win. Rwanda is a strong team, and we respect them, but I have big confidence in our squad,' Ekong said.
He added that the new coach has brought fresh ideas, and understanding the tactics will be key for them. 'We have one more training session, but ultimately, our mission is clear: to win the game,' he emphasized.
Rwanda's captain had previously expressed confidence in his team's ability to contain Nigeria's attacking force, stating that they had done it before and were well-prepared.
In response, Chelle acknowledged the challenge but exuded confidence in his own players. 'We have one of the best attacking lineups in the world, not just in Africa. Every team is difficult to play against, especially away from home, and we respect Rwanda. But if they believe they can handle us, then we'll see tomorrow on the pitch,' he asserted.
He explained that with the new manager, the players will want to prove themselves, with a renewed level of focus but admitted that this first game will be a test.
Despite recent criticism from fans following a disappointing result in the last match, Troost-Ekong insisted that the team is unfazed by external pressure.
'Playing for Nigeria means dealing with 300 million critics and 300 million supporters. We use that as motivation. This pressure is a privilege. Whenever I wear this badge, it means everything to me. The only pressure we feel is from within, because we want to prove that we deserve to be at the World Cup,' he said.
With both teams eager to secure three points, the stage is set for a high-stakes showdown at Amahoro stadium tomorrow Friday March 21, 2024. The Super Eagles are determined to rise to the occasion, knowing that victory will be a significant step towards World Cup qualification.
Sam K Nkurunziza
