CHAN 2024: Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle explains Nigeria's loss against Senegal

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has offered a candid assessment of Nigeria’s 1-0 defeat to Senegal in their opening Group D clash at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), attributing the loss to a lack of aggression and intensity from his home-based players.

The match, held at the Amani Stadium in Tanzania, saw Christian Gomis score the decisive goal for the Senegalese in the second half, handing Nigeria a disappointing start to their CHAN campaign.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Chelle praised Senegal’s approach and admitted that his side were second best in key areas throughout the encounter.

Senegal 1-0 Nigeria: Super Eagles B start CHAN with defeat

“Senegal was more aggressive than us. They put more intensity than us, and for me, this is normal. They deserve this victory,” said Chelle.

The Malian-born tactician, who was appointed to lead Nigeria’s home-based squad earlier this year, also highlighted a crucial lapse that led to the only goal of the game.

"In the second half, we gave the goal. This was a small mistake. But this is normal because we never got into this game. Maybe mentally, or maybe we were scared about something,” he added.

The loss places immediate pressure on the Super Eagles ahead of their second Group D fixture against Sudan, scheduled for next Tuesday.