Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has revealed that the team could adopt a more conservative approach ahead of tonight’s clash against Morocco.
Nigeria will lock horns with the host nation in a heavyweight semifinal clash at the ongoing African Cup of Nations tournament later today, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Chelle ready for crucial Morocco battle
Nigeria have been among the most entertaining nations at the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament and it is no surprise they lead the tournament in goals with 14.
The Super Eagles have dominated possession in all of their matches at the tournament and have also looked dangerous in transition.
However, head coach Chelle has hinted at a tactical tweak ahead of the clash against Morocco, who have golden boot leader Brahim Diaz in their team.
“I feel that my squad is tired, so I may have to change my approach”, the 48-year-old said in an interview.
“We might let Morocco have the ball and wait for them. We have seen that they struggle when they come up against a low block. I think we will start like that. We will try to hold on in the first half and then play our game in the second half.”
The three-time African champions have already seen off two North African sides, defeating Tunisia in the group stage and Algeria in the quarterfinals.
Still, Chelle believes Morocco poses a completely different threat.
“Algeria and Morocco are two good teams with good players, but Morocco doesn’t play like Algeria, and Walid Regragui isn’t Vladimir Petkovic. I will have to work, and my group too, to beat this team tomorrow”, the Nigerian coach concluded.
Nigeria eye second consecutive AFCON final appearance
The Super Eagles head into the clash in search of a win as they hope to reach a second successive AFCON final.
Under Jose Peseiro in 2023, the team also got to the final but were defeated by the hosts Ivory Coast 2-1 in a dramatic match.
They have won all of their five matches so far in Morocco and have kept clean sheets in both knockout matches.
A solid defensive plan, according to Chelle may be what the team needs to overcome the Atlas Lions and secure a place in the final against Senegal or Egypt on January 18.
