Africa Cup of Nations: coach Eric Chelle explains bringing on Arokodare
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Daily Post
Coach Eric Chelle explains why he brought striker Tolu Arokodare on at half-time against Tanzania, to make use of his presence in the box despite a height that makes high pressing difficult. After the break, Nigeria relied more on the wings to deliver crosses into the area, according to Daily Post Nigeria.
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle, a Malian, explains that he brought striker Tolu Arokodare on at half-time in the Super Eagles' 3-1 win over Tanzania on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, in AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Arokodare replaced Alhassan Yusuf at the break. Chelle justifies the choice by the player’s physical qualities and his ability to cause problems for defenders when the ball reaches the box.
The coach acknowledges that Arokodare’s great height sometimes makes high pressing difficult for him, even though he can run. After the break, Nigeria played more directly, in a flat 4-4-2, using the wings to cross into the box, where the striker exploits his aerial game. Chelle considers Arokodare perhaps the best attacker when the ball arrives in the box.
The coach says he is happy for his player, while reminding that Nigeria still has a match to play, the return fixture against Tanzania. Arokodare now wants to establish himself as a regular starter in Chelle’s starting line-up.
