NIGERIA: Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has come out in support of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who has been under intense criticism following his recent error against Lesotho in a World Cup qualifier, BSNSports.com.ng reports.
The Chippa United shot-stopper faced backlash after his mistake led to Lesotho’s goal, but Chelle insists the criticism is unwarranted and that Nwabali remains a key figure in his plans.
“Nobody knows what I ask of my players. Sometimes they make mistakes that’s normal. Maybe I told Nwabali to be strong. I don’t want a nice guy in my team,” Chelle said in an exclusive chat with Super Eagles legend Segun Odegbami on Eagle FM.
“I once played with a Serbian goalkeeper who was crazy on the pitch and because of that, we defenders became crazy too. I want players with strong character. Stanley gives everything for the team and the country, even though sometimes he just needs to relax.”
