Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has explained why he made seven substitutions at halftime during the Super Eagles’ 2-2 international friendly draw against Poland in Warsaw on Wednesday.
The French-Malian tactician reshuffled almost half of his team during the break as Nigeria continued preparations ahead of another high-profile friendly against Portugal next week.
Several of the players involved against Poland had recently completed their club campaigns. Some had already started their post-season holidays before joining the national team camp. Despite those circumstances, Nigeria still came close to securing victory before conceding a late equaliser.
The Super Eagles took the lead through Terem Moffi in the first half. Poland responded after the break when Kacper Potulski found the net to level the contest.
Nigeria regained their advantage in the 77th minute. Paul Onuachu calmly converted from the penalty spot after coming on as one of Chelle’s halftime substitutes. Onuachu has remained an important attacking option for Nigeria and once again made an impact from the bench.
However, the hosts struck in stoppage time. Przemysław Wiśniewski produced a powerful finish to earn Poland a share of the spoils and deny the visitors victory.
Speaking after the match as quoted by SportoweFakty, Chelle admitted that fitness concerns influenced his decision to make several substitutions at halftime.
”They were already on vacation. That’s why I made seven changes at halftime. Our captain usually does a lot more on the pitch, but after 60 minutes, he was practically gone,” Chelle said.
The coach introduced Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Paul Onuachu, Calvin Bassey, Raphael Onyedika, Rafiu Durosinmi and Philip Otele during the interval.
Emmanuel Fernandez, Bruno Onyemaechi, Terem Moffi, Igoh Ogbu, Frank Onyeka, Tochukwu Nnadi and Akor Adams were among the players withdrawn.
Nigeria also travelled without several regular starters. Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina and Alex Iwobi were unavailable for selection.
Chelle felt the result accurately reflected the balance of play.
”The 2-2 scoreline reflects this match well. I don’t forget that the Poles could have scored at least two more goals against us in the second half, so this draw is valuable to us,” Chelle added.
”The approach will be similar, because, as I have already mentioned, my players are not in shape. Why do we need these two matches in the middle of the holidays…” Chelle concluded.
Nigeria will return to action on June 10 when they face World Cup-bound Portugal in another international friendly.
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