Super Eagles Exit: Chelle stands by decision to bench Ekong in shootout

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has explained why he did not bring on Nigeria’s top penalty taker, William Troost-Ekong, during their World Cup qualifying playoff loss to DR Congo.

Nigeria was knocked out after a tense penalty shootout, and many fans questioned why Troost-Ekong stayed on the bench for the whole match. Instead of bringing him on late in extra time, Chelle chose to introduce defender Chidozie Awaziem in the final 10 minutes.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Chelle said the team had practiced penalties the day before, but he made the decision based on what he felt was best at the moment.

“We did a penalty session yesterday,” he said. “But decisions can change. I felt we were under pressure in the last ten minutes, so we added another defender.

“People can now say bringing on the captain might have been better, but it was my choice. We lost, and I have to focus on the next tournament.”