Eric Chelle has downplayed suggestions that Tuesday’s CHAN Group D opener between Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles and defending champions Senegal should be seen as a derby.
The Super Eagles B will be making their return to the competition with a tricky opening fixture against the Teranga Lions.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Monday, Chelle said:
“I don’t think it’s a derby, but it’s definitely a game between two of Africa’s biggest football nations. Senegal have a great generation of players and a very strong team.”
When asked about their other Group D opponents, the coach emphasized that his full attention is on Senegal.
“I don’t want to talk about Congo or Sudan for now. Our focus is on the first match tomorrow. We want to take it one game at a time and approach it step by step,” Chelle added.
