Media Team
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has addressed his heated sideline exchange with South Africa’s Hugo Broos during their recent World Cup qualifier.
The incident occurred during Nigeria’s clash with South Africa on Tuesday night, when tensions flared between the two technical teams.
Both benches engaged in a brief confrontation midway through the game at Free State Stadium, requiring match officials to intervene.
In his post-match comments, Chelle downplayed the altercation, calling it a natural part of competitive football and emphasizing the need to stand firm.
“There’s always tension in these matches. Sometimes words get heated, and you have to defend your position—not violently, but with determination,” Chelle explained to reporters.
“Pressure affects everyone differently. When two teams are desperate to win, disagreements over refereeing decisions are inevitable. That’s just how the game goes.”
