Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has revealed why his side struggled in the second half of their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ghana in the semifinal of the 2025 Unity Cup at the Gtech Community Stadium in London, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles flew out of the blocks and dominated the first half, racing to a 2-0 lead courtesy of a smart finish from Cyriel Dessers — his third international goal — and an unfortunate own goal by Ghana’s Razak Simpson.
Nigeria could have added to their tally before the break, with Ghana surviving several close calls thanks to last-ditch clearances and some superb saves from their goalkeeper.
However, the tide shifted dramatically in the second half. The Black Stars came out rejuvenated, pressing higher and creating more chances, while Nigeria appeared to lose energy and struggled to maintain their earlier intensity.
What Eric Chelle said of Nigeria vs Ghana game
Eric Chelle, who took charge of the Super Eagles earlier this year, believes fatigue played a major role in the drop-off.
According to the Franco-Malian coach, his team’s aggressive pressing game in the first half took a toll on the players physically.
“My philosophy is [that] I want to make some high pressure on the pitch, but the system is very difficult for the players,” Chelle said at the post-match press conference.
“My dream is that I want my team to keep up the high pressure for 90 minutes. But I think it is impossible. So we need to work and improve.”
Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
READ MORE
- Dessers shines, Ismaila assists: Player ratings from Nigeria's 2-1 win over Ghana in the Unity Cup
- Five takeaways as Nigeria’s Super Eagles outgun Ghana’s Black Stars to reach Unity Cup final
- “I hope to play in big tournaments with Super Eagles” – Rangers' Cyriel Dessers
The scenario bore similarities to Nigeria’s disappointing draw against Zimbabwe during their last World Cup qualifier in Uyo, where they faded late in the game after taking the lead.
Chelle is confident that with more time and consistent training sessions, his players will adapt better to his style and become more resilient in the latter stages of matches.
“Since I’ve been the coach of this team, I’ve had maybe seven or eight training sessions. We have played three games — two wins and one draw. We need to improve. We need to work. The players need to know what I want,” he said.
“I think we made a great first half and in the second half we were tired. My guys, I’m so proud of them because they fight. It was difficult, but I see that they deserve — we deserve — the victory.”
Nigeria’s win over their eternal rivals sees them advance to the final of the 2025 Unity Cup, where they will face Jamaica. The Reggae Boyz booked their spot with a thrilling 3-2 win over Trinidad and Tobago in the other semifinal.
The final promises to be a fitting climax to the friendly tournament in London, with Chelle’s young side looking to crown their progress with silverware.
