This is a game for two big countries — Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle ahead of Senegal clash

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle addressed the media on Monday ahead of Nigeria’s highly anticipated clash against defending champions Senegal in the 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group D opener.

Speaking at his first press conference for the tournament in Zanzibar, Chelle emphasized that his team’s focus is locked on Tuesday’s match at Amaan Stadium.

“I don’t wanna talk about Congo or Sudan for now,” Chelle said when asked about Nigeria’s other Group D opponents.

“Our focus is on our first match tomorrow. We wanna take each game as it comes and take it step by step. Now we face Senegal before we can talk about Congo and Sudan.”

Chelle downplayed any notion of a regional rivalry, instead highlighting the stature of the contest.

“I don’t think it’s a derby, but this is a game between two big countries in Africa. They have a history in football. Senegal have a good generation and a good team,” he noted.

“So our preparation for this game has been good, and we will look to implement everything we have prepared into this match.”

Meanwhile, the home-based Eagles captain Junior Nduka has revealed that the team also wants to win the continental showpiece, following in the footsteps of the Super Falcons.

Nduka said, "To our fellow Nigerians, I know the expectations are high because we have been doing well in sports, and we will try our best not to let them down."