Coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle has explained why he switched tactics in the 3-1 win over Tanzania in the AFCON qualifiers, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Nigeria got off to a flying start with Alhassan Yusuf scoring in the first minute, but were stunned when Alphonce Msanga levelled for the visitors in the 32nd minute.
Super Eagles however turned the game around once again to win the tie 3-1, with substitute Tolu Arokodare scoring a brace with goals in the 52nd and 60th minute respectively.
One thing that was noticeable during the game was the switch to a 4-4-2 flat from the 4-4-2 diamond at the start of the second half. Chelle explained why the switch which gave Nigeria a foothold in the game was made.
“I spoke with the players. The game plan was like that. We were supposed to start with the 4-4-2 diamond and second half 4-4-2 flat. I asked them to make a high pressure in the first half. They did and we scored the first goal”, he explained.
“The problem was that in the first half, in this 30 seconds we lost our concentration and we conceded a goal and after that in second half we just followed the plan. It was a good game and we have another game in few days. We have to go to Tanzania and win this game”, he concluded.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
