Super Eagles Manager Defends Surprising Decision to Bench Captain Troost-Ekong in Vital 1-0 World Cup Qualifying Victory
Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle stood firmly behind his controversial team selection after a late goal secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rwanda in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday, defiantly telling reporters, “I don’t explain my choices.”
The decisive moment at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium came from substitute Tolu Arokodare, who scored just five minutes after coming on. But the post-match discussion was dominated by Chelle’s surprising pre-game decision to bench captain William Troost-Ekong in favor of 20-year-old debutant Benjamin Fredrick.
When asked to explain why the experienced leader was left out of the starting lineup for such a critical match, the manager was unequivocal. “This is my choice and I don’t want to explain my choice. My job is to make choices and I did it. The most important thing is the three points,” Chelle told reporters.
Pressed further on his high-stakes gamble, the Malian tactician stressed that second-guessing his decisions would show a lack of respect for his entire squad.
“Like I said, I don’t want to explain my choice because I need to respect all my players. If I choose something, this is my job,” he said. “If we win, everybody says good choice; if we lose, everybody says bad choice. This is my choice. If I start to explain my choice, it will be very, very difficult.”
The bold move to start Fredrick, who is on loan from Brentford and has minimal senior experience, ultimately paid off. The young defender looked composed alongside his defensive partner, helping goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali secure a clean sheet in a tense contest.
In a final move that blended his bold strategy with pragmatism, Chelle brought Troost-Ekong on in the 87th minute to help secure the narrow victory. The three points keep Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualification hopes alive, allowing the manager’s controversial choice to have the final word.
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