Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle spoke to the media on Monday, on the eve of Nigeria's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations opener against Tanzania, and addressed the absence of William Troost-Ekong, Benjamin Fredrick, and Ola Aina.

Troost-Ekong retired from international football following the announcement of the provisional squad, while Fredrick sustained an injury that will keep him out for the duration of the tournament. 

Meanwhile, Ola Aina is currently undergoing rehabilitation after suffering a hamstring injury during the opening minutes of Nigeria's World Cup qualifier against South Africa.

Chelle has named eight defenders in his 28-man squad, including three players yet to feature at the Africa Cup of Nations: Bruno Onyemaechi, Igoh Ogbu, and Ryan Alebiosu.

The Malian tactician has expressed full confidence in the squad at his disposal. 

"No, I am not worried. I trust my players. Of course, I would prefer these guys to be here, but now I am with my squad and I trust them so much. We have a strong defence and we have worked a lot on it," Chelle told reporters at the pre-match press conference. 

Chelle insisted that defensive duties are shared across the entire squad, not solely the responsibility of the defenders.

"We are focused on our game plan. When you want to defend, it is not only about the defenders; it is about all the players on the pitch. Everyone is focused on that, for sure."

When asked about his starting lineup, Chelle remained tight-lipped, noting that the final squad decision would come after the team’s last training session.

"Definitely, we are ready to play this game. At the moment, I cannot tell you which players will start because I do not want to, and we still have our final training session today to work on it."

The Super Eagles will take on Tanzania's Taifa Stars at the Fez Stadium, Fez on Tuesday, with kickoff scheduled for 1830 hours.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel