Ex-international Mohammed Gambo has cautioned Nigerian head coach Eric Chelle against deploying players in unfamiliar positions during the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, SportPremi reports.
The Super Eagles will compete for a shot at winning a fourth African crown when the tournament commences later tonight in Morocco for a 35th edition:
They have been placed in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania and will begin their campaign against the latter on the 23rd.
In the buildup to the tournament, the three-time African champions faced Egypt in a warmup friendly match which they lost 2-1.
Head coach Eric Chelle experimented with the lineup, trying several alternatives as he hopes to find the best team possible for the tournament.
Some new faces made their debut, while other returning players also tried to impress the head coach in the friendly match at the Cairo International Stadium.
What Mohammed Gambo said to Eric Chelle
Speaking in an interview ahead of the African showpiece event in Morocco, former Nigerian forward Mohammed Gambo gave his view on the tinkering made by the team’s gaffer in the clash against Egypt.
According to the former Kano Pillars forward, the coach must decide against making too many changes to the side at the tournament, but must choose the best team to battle different opponents.
“I saw the friendly game and I believe Chelle decided to experiment with a few players, with most of them playing in different positions. The coach will have to know his players properly and where they play so that he can get the best from them”, Mohammed said.
“During the Egypt game, I noticed the boy from Italy (Akinsanmiro) playing behind the strikers, but I think he is better in front of the defence. I remember him from his Beyond Limits days when I was with the Pillars youth team and monitoring young players. He is more defensive than offensive.
“There are a few other players too, like Onuachu, who is doing well in Turkey but hardly does well for Nigeria. The coach will have to understand the players and play to their strength”, he continued.
“I know his tactics will depend on who we are playing, but he has to get formations that will help the players.
“If we can do that, then I see us going far in the competition. Most times, when Nigerians do not have hope in the national team, that is when they perform. I believe it will be the same.”
Nigeria begin their campaign against Tanzania on the 23rd, before facing Tunisia in their second group game four days later.
The Super Eagles close out group action on the 30th, when they battle Uganda with the hopes of making the knockout rounds.
