Head coach of Russia Valery Karpin has refused to accept that it was the tactical switch made by head coach of Nigeria Eric Chelle that made his team throw away a two goal lead to draw 3-3 in yesterday’s international friendly game.
Kelechi Iheanacho gave a much changed Nigerian team the lead in the 10th minute, but the team made up of players largely meant to represent the U23 in the Olympic qualifiers went into the break trailing 1-2.
Upon resumption, Russia added a third to take scores to 3-1 but a dogged Nigerian side fought gallantly to draw 3-3 with goals from debutant Peter Edokpolor and Akor Adams who scored in the final minutes of regulation time.
Speaking after the game, Chelle revealed the moment the game turned in the favour of his team despite losing 1-3.
“In the beginning of the second half it was the same. We found a solution because tactically we changed a little something about our strikers and at the end we found a solution and this is why we scored two goals in transition. So the state of mind of my players was very good and this I must say helped us as well”, the coach said.
Karpin was asked about the comment made by Chelle and he played it down insisting that his team didn’t lose their two goal lead due to Chelle’s superior tactics. ” What tactics? He ( Chelle) introduced new players and that was it. There was nothing else”, he said.
” I am very positive with our performance, the 3-3 scoreline shouldn’t fool anyone. Today was one of our best matches. The major mistake that cost us the win was a lack of concentration in defence”.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
