Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has cleared the air on why striker George Ilenikhena and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye were missing from Nigeria’s squad for their recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The explanation came around the team’s 3-1 victory over Tanzania in Uyo on Friday, according to Punch.
Addressing reporters before the match, Chelle stated that Ilenikhena’s absence was strictly due to a fitness issue. The young forward had scored on his national team debut against Madagascar back in September, leaving many supporters questioning why he was excluded this time around. Chelle urged the public to remain patient, pointing out that not everyone was aware of the player's physical condition.
The coach also emphasized that he takes total ownership of squad selections and match outcomes. He noted that while victories belong entirely to the players, any negative result falls directly on his shoulders as the manager.
When speaking on Okoye, Chelle insisted that the Udinese shot-stopper is not permanently frozen out of the Super Eagles setup. For this round of matches, the technical bench selected Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, and Arthur Okonkwo instead. Chelle explained that squad balance, group harmony, and tactical needs both on and off the field drove his selection.
Okoye has endured a difficult period in Italy, where his club Udinese sit at the bottom of the Serie A table. The goalkeeper has kept just one clean sheet while conceding 25 goals across 11 league matches this campaign, and he previously faced questions over reporting late to camp during the September international window.
Even with both Ilenikhena and Victor Osimhen unavailable for the encounter, Nigeria still secured all three points against Tanzania in Uyo. Substitute Tolu Arokodare came off the bench to score two goals, lifting the Super Eagles to second place in Group L with six points.
The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to the reverse fixture against Tanzania, scheduled to take place at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17.
