Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has come out to defend Maduka Okoye after Nigeria’s 2-2 friendly draw against Poland, saying the people criticising the goalkeeper did not properly watch the match.

According to Chelle, Okoye actually kept Nigeria in the game for long stretches and should not be blamed for the late goal that denied the team victory.

The coach insisted the strike that beat Okoye was the kind of effort that can beat any goalkeeper, so the backlash against the Udinese shot-stopper was unfair.The match in Warsaw ended level after Nigeria twice fought to stay in front.Poland first came back into the game, and Nigeria later restored their lead before conceding deep into stoppage time.Even though the late equaliser was painful, the result still showed that the Super Eagles can compete well against strong opposition.Chelle’s remarks were mainly aimed at calming the debate around Okoye’s performance and shifting attention to the team’s overall effort.The game also gave Nigeria useful lessons as Chelle continues to build a stronger squad and test players ahead of future competitive matches.

The draw may have disappointed some fans, but the coach’s message was that the team played with energy, created chances, and deserved more respect than the criticism suggested.