Former Super Eagles defender Abbey George has faulted Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle’s tactics for the draw against the Warriors of Zimbabwe in their World Cup qualifiers in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
George who played 18 games for Nigeria between 2003 and 2007 said the coach and the players failed to manage the game after they had gone ahead with a Victor Osimhen headed goal in the 74th minute.
Nigerian fans were optimistic the team will collect all three points after they had beaten Rwanda at home 2-0, but the game against Zimbabwe proved to more difficult as the Super Eagles failed to dominate like they did in Kigali.
“I believe Chelle made a mistake with the selection. He tried to accommodate all his best players rather than pick the best team,” George said in an interview with Brila FM.
“There’s no reason to play Ola Aina, who’s been excellent at right-back, at left-back when Onyemaechi is on the bench. The same goes for Lookman and Iwobi, who were played out of position,”
He added that after Nigeria went ahead there was no need to rush up front for more goals with Chelle bringing in Victor Boniface to replace Osimhen.
“As players on the field, with just five minutes remaining, there’s no need to be pushing forward. They should have held onto the 1-0 lead and secured the three points.
“Players need to step up. Experienced players from big European teams should know how to manage a crucial game. They need to show some humility.
“Although it [qualification] is still possible, we must win the next match and hope the other outcomes work in our favour.”
Abbey George in action for the Super Eagles.