Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has defended his decision to leave first-choice penalty taker William Troost-Ekong on the bench during Nigeria’s dramatic shootout defeat to DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup playoff.
Chelle has come under criticism for not introducing the veteran defender when it became clear the match would be decided from the spot. Instead of bringing on the 32-year-old late in extra time, the coach opted to introduce Chidozie Awaziem in the final 10 minutes.
Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, Chelle said his choices were guided by the flow of the game, insisting that he would not dwell on the defeat.
“We did a penalty session yesterday. But it was a choice and if we come back maybe one hour later and this is not the same,” he said.
The coach explained that he felt Nigeria were under threat in the closing stages of extra time, prompting his decision to strengthen the defence.
“It was a choice because I did feel that we were in danger during the ten last minutes, that is why we put another defender,” he said.
Chelle acknowledged that hindsight may make his decision appear questionable but maintained that he acted based on the situation at the time.
“So, it is easy now to say maybe the best choice was the captain. It was a choice and the reality is we lost. I have to focus on the next competition,” he added.
