Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle has indicated that adjustments may be made to the team’s style of play and formation against Morocco tomorrow night, SportPremi reports.
Nigeria will face the AFCON 2025 hosts at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium on Wednesday night in the second semifinal clash of the tournament.
The three-time champions have adopted a 4-4-2 setup throughout the tournament and have dominated their opponents with their intense pressing and aggressiveness.
One common thing to note is that the team have enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in all of their matches, while opponents have found no answer to their brilliant approach.
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During the group stage, Nigeria overcame Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda to top Group C and advance to the knockout rounds with a 100% record.
They recorded an emphatic 4-0 win over Mozambique in their Round of 16 encounter and impressively saw off Algeria in the quarterfinals, sealing a 2-0 win.
Impressively, the Fennec Foxes were limited to only three attempts throughout the entire 90 minutes, with zero on target.
However, Morocco pose a different threat entirely with their fast-paced approach and attacking fullbacks, setting us up for an interesting semifinal clash in Rabat.
What Chelle said ahead of Morocco clash
Eric Chelle has overseen a remarkable improvement in the playing pattern of the Super Eagles, but has hinted at making some tweaks ahead of the crucial last four clash against the hosts.
Nigeria have scored 14 goals so far at the tournament, which is the most of any team and their 4-0 win over Mozambique in the Round of 16 remains the biggest margin of victory so far.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s clash, the 48-year-old revealed that fatigue might bring about certain changes in the way the team approach semifinal encounter.
“I find that my group is tired; it might be time for me to change my approach. We might perhaps leave the ball to Morocco and wait for them. We saw that they have difficulties when they play under pressure”, Chelle stated.
“We’ll start that way, I think. We’ll hold on in the first half and try to play our game in the second half. Algeria and Morocco are two good teams with good players”, he continued.
“But Morocco doesn’t play like Algeria, and Walid Regragui isn’t Vladimir Petkovic. I’ll have to work, and my group too, to beat this team tomorrow.”
Eric Chelle also lamented the absence of captain Wilfried Ndidi, who will miss the clash against Morocco due to suspension.
“I am disappointed for him because he brings so much for the team. But we are a group, and every player is waiting for a chance to show something for us. I’m very confident. I have to choose his replacement, and everything will be fine.”
The Nigerian head coach’s recent comments have left supporters with plenty of questions, with many wondering whether this is the right time to change a winning formula or if it is simply a case of mind games.
Whatever the motive for the comments are, the Super Eagles must be at their best when they face Morocco on Wednesday night as they continue their quest for continental glory.
