Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles coach has identified the defence of the team as one of the key areas he wishes to fortify before the next World Cup qualifying window in September.
A close associate of the coach, who pleaded to be anonymous, said the biggest headache for Chelle is the defence and he is determined to make it more reliable in subsequent games.
He said that Chelle is impressed with the attack and he has a bit reservation for the midfield, but the defence is a great concern.
“We are disappointed by the outcome of the 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe. There are so many good options for Nigeria in the attack and the midfield, but the defence gives you little and that is where the problem lies.
“The focus now is to strengthen the team defensively. Chelle has to find solution to that aspect of the team and i think he is already working on it.
“Hopefully, he will use the friendly games in June to field some defenders who are relatively new to the team,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chelle has spoken highly of 22-year-old Noah Atubolu, who recently set a new record of going 577 minutes without conceding a goal in the Bundesliga and has represented Germany at various age levels.
Chelle looks to rejig the Super Eagles in all departments and he sees Atubolu as a good competition for Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye and other Nigerian Goalkeepers.
The Franco Malian is scouring Europe in an attempt to get eligible Nigerian players who can help him actualise his dreams with the Eagles hence his resolve to have a compendium of players from where he can call on when the chips are down.
Chelle has reportedly said he has a long list of players who are eligible to play for Nigeria and he hopes he will soon get some of them to play for the team.
His list of prospects include midfielders Lesley Ugochukwu and Carney Chukwuemeka, who have both been loaned out by Chelsea this season, as well as Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
