Chelle Blames Fatigue for Nigeria’s Late Collapse Against Zimbabwe

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has attributed Nigeria’s late 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe to player fatigue and a lapse in focus during the closing stages. The result came as a blow after Nigeria had taken the lead through Victor Osimhen in the 74th minute, only to concede in the 90th minute when Tawanda Chirewa equalised for Zimbabwe.

Chelle acknowledged his side’s high energy in the first half but admitted that their aggressive start took a toll on the players, who struggled to maintain intensity in the latter stages. “I think in the last 10 minutes, it was difficult for us because we had put in a lot of effort in the first half, with lots of intensity and aggression,” he said. “The players might have been a little tired, which led to a lapse in concentration, which cost us the goal.”

Despite dominating early on and creating several chances, the Super Eagles couldn’t put the game beyond Zimbabwe’s reach. Chelle expressed frustration at the draw, suggesting Nigeria had done enough to earn all three points. “It’s hard for me to analyse the game fully right now because, honestly, I feel we deserved to win,” he stated.

He also pointed out that the team must learn to manage games better, especially when leading. Chelle stressed that moments of fatigue and lack of concentration can undo a strong performance and called for improved mental focus moving forward.

As the Super Eagles continue their qualification campaign, Chelle remains focused on the need to play consistently across the full 90 minutes not just in bursts of intensity.

Editorial

We can understand Coach Eric Chelle’s frustration it was a match Nigeria should have comfortably won. But football doesn’t reward potential or near-misses. It rewards precision, endurance, and the ability to manage a game until the final whistle.

The Super Eagles dazzled in the first half. Their energy was infectious, and their press stifled Zimbabwe. Yet, when it mattered most, they faded. And while Chelle may point to tired legs, we must also point to tired minds the kind that allow an opponent to find space in the box and steal a result in the dying moments.

We’ve seen this story too many times dominance, missed chances, and then heartbreak. Chelle is right to demand better game management. A lead should be a signal to control the tempo, tighten the back, and strike when the opponent overcommits not to invite pressure with aimless passes or sluggish defending.

The worrying part is that this isn’t about talent. We have one of the most exciting squads on the continent. But until they pair skill with resilience and intelligence, progress will remain out of reach.

The road to qualification will only get tougher. If the Super Eagles want to soar, they must learn to last. And that starts with building a mentality that sees every match to the end.

Did You Know?

1. Tawanda Chirewa, who scored Zimbabwe’s equaliser, was born in the UK and plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ youth side.
2. The Super Eagles have not lost a competitive home game in World Cup qualifiers since 2004.
3. Victor Osimhen became the most expensive African footballer in 2020 with his move to Napoli for €70 million.
4. Nigeria has qualified for six of the last seven FIFA World Cups, missing only the 2006 edition.
5. Eric Chelle, although French-born, is a former international player for Mali and transitioned into coaching in 2013.