AFCON: Chelle reacts to absence of three Super Eagles’ players ahead of Tanzania clash

Eric Chelle, Super Eagles head coach, has reacted on the absence of three Nigerian defenders from his squad ahead of his team’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opening against Tanzania on Tuesday evening.

Nigerian players include William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, and Benjamin Fredrick.

Troost-Ekong confirmed his retirement from international football after Nigeria’s initial AFCON team was released.

Aina is currently in rehabilitation due to a hamstring injury he sustained against South Africa during a World Cup qualifier.

Fredrick, on the other hand, has an injury that will sideline him for the entire duration of the AFCON tournament.

“No, I’m not worried,” Chelle told reporters at the pre-match press conference ahead of the Tanzania clash when asked about the absence of the three players.

“I trust my players. Of course, I’d prefer these guys [Troost-Ekong, Fredrick, and Aina] to be here, but now I’m with my squad, and I trust them so much.

“We have a strong defence, we’ve worked a lot on it. We are focused on our game plan and when you want to defend, it’s not only about the defenders; it’s about all the players on the pitch.”