Chelle Reveals How He Tactically Stopped Algeria

Chelle Reveals How He Tactically Stopped Algeria

Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has revealed the tactical blueprint behind his side’s impressive 2-0 victory over Algeria in the quarterfinal of the tournament in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Nigerian team outclassed the Desert Foxes with an intense and disciplined performance, denying the North Africans their usual rhythm and dominance on the ball.

Speaking after the match, Chelle explained that his knowledge of Algerian football culture played a key role in shaping his game plan.

 “I was lucky enough to coach in Algeria for six months three months actually,” Chelle said.

“So I discovered even more about Algerian football. I know that Algerian footballers are technical players. They want to do all their drills with the ball. Algerian fans get their kicks when their team keeps possession.”

According to the Super Eagles boss, allowing Algeria time and space on the ball would have been a fatal mistake.

“So, I know that I'm going to be facing a team that, technically, if I let them play, we're going to get hammered. So, I'm going to play with an insane level of intensity,” he added.

Chelle further pointed to the absence of striker Baghdad Bounedjah as a decisive tactical factor, which encouraged Nigeria to apply even more pressure high up the pitch.

“For me, if Bounedjah is there, it's not the same. To get out of a press, there aren't many options. It's either you take a throw-in technically, or you play a long ball and your striker controls the ball and pushes the team up the pitch,” he explained.

 “So, when I didn't see Bounedjah playing, I said, that's it, guys, put even more pressure on them.”

The Nigerian coach also suggested that Algeria’s technical crew misread the physical and tactical dynamics of the game.

 “Maybe he (coach Petkovic) thought we were going to ease off. Generally, between the 60th and 70th minute, that's always when we peak, then we drop physically. I was expecting him to make a change at halftime too. But in the end, he didn't,” Chelle concluded.

 The victory confirmed Nigeria’s tactical superiority on the day and underlined Chelle’s growing reputation as a coach capable of outthinking top African sides on the big stage.