Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has justified his selection decisions and hinted at a team rotation ahead of Nigeria’s last Group C match against Uganda.

The Malian tactician stated unequivocally that group success will always take precedence over individual choices, regardless of external scrutiny.

Concerned about players left out of previous starting lineups, Chelle insisted that his decisions are entirely tactical.

He noted that the strategy versus Tunisia necessitated a more aggressive setup, which influenced his decisions.

“For me, the best explanation is for the players,” Chelle said. “We wanted to be very aggressive in that game, and I had to make choices. That is my job.”

He acknowledged that not every decision will please everyone but insisted the results justify the process. “Some players are happy, some are not, but the most important thing is the group and the victory,” he added.

With Nigeria had qualified for the knockout stages, Chelle criticised the notion of depending on a predetermined starting XI. He emphasised that tournament football requires managing the entire squad, not just the starting eleven.

“This is not a competition for just 11 players,” he said. “Sometimes a player who plays five minutes can score the decisive goal. This is about management, not disrespect.”

Chelle also addressed fitness concerns in the camp, stressing that there are no big injuries ahead of the Uganda encounter. Minor injuries to Stanley Nwabali, Victor Osimhen, and Frank Onyeka are being evaluated, but all three remain in contention.

“They have small pains, but they want to play,” he said. “We will see after the last training session.”

Responding to criticism of his substitutions, Chelle defended his in-game management, stating that decisions are made in real time rather than in retrospect.

“Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. That is football,” he said. “The reality is that we won and we scored goals.”

Chelle outlined his broader approach to the group stage, describing a phased strategy. “The first game is about confidence, the second is about tactics, and the third is about mathematics,” he explained, adding that the focus is now firmly on preparation for the knockout rounds.

The Super Eagles coach concluded by emphasising how much the Nigeria position means to him personally, calling it the pinnacle of his career.

“This is the best job for me,” Chelle said. “I feel the pressure, but I am proud to work for this nation. Everything we do is to give our best for Nigeria.”

Nigeria faces Uganda on Tuesday, with Chelle expected to strike a balance between rotation and performance as the Super Eagles aim for a flawless group stage record.

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