Éric Chelle has clarified the reason behind his decision to make seven substitutions during Nigeria national football team’s 2–2 international friendly draw with Poland national football team on Wednesday.
The Super Eagles coach said the changes were necessary at half-time due to several players already being on post-season breaks and not at full physical capacity. The match took place at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw.
Chelle introduced seven players at the interval, including Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Paul Onuachu, Calvin Bassey, Raphael Onyedika, Rafiu Durosinmi and Philip Otele, while withdrawing Emmanuel Fernandez, Bruno Onyemaechi, Terem Moffi, Igoh Ogbu, Frank Onyeka, Tochukwu Nnadi and Akor Adams.
“They were already on vacation. That is why I made seven changes at halftime,” Chelle was quoted as saying by SportoweFakty.
He also noted the physical condition of his captain during the game, adding, “Our captain usually does a lot more on the pitch, but after 60 minutes, he was practically gone.”
