Nigerian head coach Eric Chelle praised the team’s performance after their 3-1 win over Uganda, but maintained focus ahead of the knockout rounds, SportPremi reports.
A second-string Super Eagles side cruised to a dominant 3-1 win over Uganda and never left top gear despite missing several regulars.
Eight changes were made to the starting lineup and two of those newcomers, Paul Onuachu and Raphael Onyedika grabbed the goals for the team.
The former opened the scoring in the first half, while the latter earned the man of the match award after scoring a brilliant brace in the second half.
The win ensures they finish the group with a perfect record and underlines their status as one of the tournament favourites.
What Eric Chelle said after the win over Uganda
Eric Chelle has now guided Nigeria to three straight wins at the African Cup of Nations as they head into the round of 16 with full confidence.
The Super Eagles gaffer was pleased with how the players turned up for their final group clash, recording a 3-1 win over Uganda.
“I am happy about the victory, but we have to improve again. If we want to be ambitious, we have to improve again”, the Super Eagles boss revealed.
“We are calm and, if you watch the game, I think I am calmer than at the last AFCON. I try to stay focused during the game, only on the game. I have my vision. Sometimes it is very good, sometimes it is bad. That is football. We work every day and the team works hard.
The round of 16 is a lot of pressure, for sure, but I am fascinated by that. Since I arrived, I have had a lot of pressure and I feel good,” Chelle said.
“I feel good because the town is perfect, the hotel is perfect and the atmosphere is perfect.”
Several players that came into the lineup delivered impressive performances, leaving Chelle with plenty to ponder ahead of their round of 16 clash.
According to the former Mali tactician, many players have played themselves into contention to add to their appearances at the tournament as Nigeria seek a fourth African title.
“The group gave a good answer today because the players who did not start the previous games started today and they showed something. They scored three goals and I am very happy about that,” he added
“Now I have a little pain in my head because I have to make a lot of choices, because everybody can play in this team, and that is perfect for me.”
Nigeria face the third-placed team from Group F in their round of 16 clash on the 6th of January, with a potential rematch against DR Congo lurking in the quarterfinals.
