2026 WCQ playoff: Chelle defends decision to bench first-choice penalty taker in Congo defeat

Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Eric Chelle, has defended his decision not introduce the team’s first choice penalty taker, William Troost-Ekong, when it became obvious their game against DR Congo was going to end in a shootout.

Chelle has been criticised for leaving the defender on the bench for the entire game during Nigeria’s dramatic penalty shootout loss to DR Congo.

When it was expected that the Malian would bring on the 32-year-old, he instead opted for Chidozie Awaziem in the final ten minutes of extra time.

Chelle told reporters in the mixed zone after the match that he won’t keep talking about the defeat but has to focus on the next competition.

“We did a penalty session yesterday. But it was a choice and if we come back maybe one hour later and this is not the same.

“It was a choice because I did feel that we were in danger during the ten last minutes that is why we put another defender.

“So, it is easy now to say maybe the best choice was the captain. So, it was a choice and reality we lost and I have to be focused on the next competition,” he added.