Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has defended his decision not to introduce Nigeria’s designated penalty taker, William Troost-Ekong, during the team’s World Cup playoff defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday.
Chelle has come under heavy criticism after the Super Eagles were eliminated 4–3 on penalties in Rabat, with many questioning why Ekong — widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most reliable spot-kick specialists — remained on the bench for the entire match.
As the game edged toward a penalty shootout, expectations were high that the Malian tactician would turn to the veteran defender. Instead, Chelle opted to bring on Chidozie Awaziem in the final ten minutes of extra time, a move that fueled debates among fans and analysts.
Speaking to journalists in the mixed zone after the match, Chelle maintained that his decision was based on real-time tactical concerns and assessments made during the closing stages of the game.
“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.
“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.
“So, it is easy now to say maybe the best choice was the captain. So, it was a choice and reality we lost and I have to be focused on the next competition.”
Nigeria’s defeat saw them miss out on World Cup qualification for the second consecutive cycle, with preparations now shifting toward the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for December.
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