Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has explained his decision to leave captain and first-choice penalty taker William Troost-Ekong on the bench during Nigeria’s shootout defeat to DR Congo on Sunday night in Rabat.

Troost-Ekong, widely regarded as Nigeria’s most reliable option from the spot, was not introduced despite the match heading toward penalties.

Tactical reasoning behind late substitution

Instead of bringing on the skipper, Chelle opted for Chidozie Awaziem in the closing minutes of extra time, a decision that sparked criticism after Nigeria missed three penalties in the shootout.

Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, Chelle stressed that the choice was based on the team’s defensive state rather than penalty considerations.

“We did a penalty session yesterday. But it was a choice,” he said. “I felt we were in danger during the last ten minutes, and that is why we put another defender. If we come back one hour later, maybe the situation is different.”

Coach shifts focus to AFCON preparations

Chelle admitted that the decision may appear questionable after the loss but insisted his attention has already moved toward the next major assignment.

“It is easy now to say maybe the best choice was the captain. The reality is that we lost, and I have to be focused on the next competition,” he added.

Nigeria were beaten 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, ending their push for a 2026 FIFA World Cup slot.

The Super Eagles now pivot to preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations in December, where Chelle will aim to improve on the team’s second-place finish from the previous edition.