Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle Praises Kenya’s U20 Team Despite Early Exit
Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has praised Kenya’s U20 national team, the Rising Stars, for their exciting attacking style at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, even though they were knocked out in the group stage.
The Rising Stars drew 2-2 with Nigeria’s Flying Eagles on Wednesday in Cairo, which saw them finish bottom of Group B. Earlier, they had lost 3-2 to Morocco and 3-1 to Tunisia.
Despite their results, Kenya impressed with their fast-paced attack. They scored six goals in total — more than any other team in their group — and opened the scoring in all three matches. However, their defence let them down, as they failed to hold on to their leads.
Chelle, who arrived in Egypt just before the match, watched from the stands as Kenya twice went ahead before Nigeria equalised each time.
Speaking to Kenyan journalists after the game, Chelle said: “I like the way Kenya play when they win the ball back. They make quick attacks, and they have four forwards who are very fast and strong — they can score at any time.”
He added: “But they need to improve their defending. When they get the ball, they should try to keep possession. Many of their players are fast runners, but they get tired during key moments.”
Chelle also said he was not surprised by Kenya’s performance. “I’ve seen many matches involving your national teams, and I can say Kenya is improving every day,” he noted.
While Kenya’s U20 campaign ends in the group stage, Chelle remains in Egypt to guide Nigeria as they prepare to face defending champions Senegal in the quarterfinals.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are the most successful team in U20 AFCON history, with seven titles, two second-place finishes, and four bronze medals.
