Chelle addresses Ilenikhena, Okoye omissions

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, addressed the omissions of George Ilenikhena and Maduka Okoye from Nigeria’s squad ahead of the 3-1 win over Tanzania in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo on Friday, citing injury in the striker’s case and team balance in the goalkeeper’s.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chelle said Ilenikhena’s absence was down to a fitness problem and urged critics to stay calm. The former Monaco striker scored on his debut in the 2-1 win over Madagascar in Uyo during the September international break, which had raised questions over his exclusion.

“I am surprised, like you know, I am not on social media. Some people send me lots of things. I am surprised because there are no questions about the group and the players,” Chelle said.

“For example, I saw lots of people speak about why George Ilenikhena is not here. Do you know that he has an injury? Before, some of you did not know. I think everybody needs to stay calm.”

He added that he was ready to take responsibility for results.

“I have the responsibility and if I have to take my responsibility, I will take it. If we win, this is the players, and if we lose, this is my responsibility, and I totally agree with that,” he said.

On Okoye, Chelle made clear that the Udinese goalkeeper had not been shut out of the team, though he chose Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo ahead of him.

“Maduka Okoye is in the national team. I made the choice like the other players. The national team is not closed to him or them. I made my choice,” he said.

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The coach said the decision went beyond performances on the pitch.

“When I made my choice, it was based on what happened on the pitch and around it. We need to have a good position in the group. How do we feel within that group? What happened on the pitch and around it informed my choice. I have a tactical approach, and I tried to make the best decision,” he added.

Okoye, a former Watford goalkeeper, has struggled for bottom-placed Udinese this season, keeping one clean sheet and conceding 25 goals in 11 Serie A appearances.

He also faced criticism for reporting late to the national team camp in September.

With Ilenikhena and Victor Osimhen unavailable, Chelle’s side still got the job done against Tanzania, with substitute Tolu Arokodare scoring twice to lift Nigeria to second in Group L with six points. The Super Eagles return to face Tanzania at the Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar, on Tuesday, November 17.