AFCON 2025: Eric Chelle plots ‘smart rotation’ for Uganda clash

Having already punched their ticket to the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has hinted at a major squad shake-up for Tuesday’s final Group C encounter against a desperate Uganda side at the Complex Sportif de Fès.

The Super Eagles currently sit at the summit of Group C with a perfect six points, following a clinical 2-1 victory over Tanzania and a hard-fought 3-2 win against Tunisia. While Nigeria’s passage is secure, Uganda’s “Cranes” find themselves staring at the exit, needing nothing less than a win to keep their Round of 16 hopes alive.

Management Over Complacency At AFCON For Nigeria

Addressing the media at Monday’s pre-match press conference, Chelle was quick to dismiss any suggestions that rotating his squad implied a lack of respect for the tournament or their opponents. Instead, the Malian tactician framed it as a strategic necessity.

“Everybody deserves a chance to show something because a player who plays just five minutes at the CAF AFCON can score the decisive goal,” Chelle explained. “This is a question about management; it’s not a question or lack of respect for the tournament. For me, I want to put out the best team because the players and I want to win this game.”

Defending the “Diamond”

The coach also took the opportunity to defend his tactical decisions and second-half substitutions following Nigeria’s narrow escape against Tunisia on Saturday. After storming into a three-goal lead, the Super Eagles conceded twice late in the game, sparking criticism regarding Chelle’s in-game management.

“When I make substitutions, I analyse what is happening in the game. In the last match, we played a 4-4-2 diamond, which means the full-backs are free, and you have to protect the wide areas,” he noted. “Sometimes the choice works very well, sometimes it doesn’t. That is football. The reality is that we won and we scored goals. That is what remains important.”

Injury Updates: Knocks for Star Trio Ahead of AFCON Tie

While Chelle confirmed there are “no serious injuries” in the camp, he admitted that a few key figures are managing minor physical issues. Victor Osimhen, Stanley Nwabali, and Frank Onyeka have all reported minor knee or ankle pains, though they remain eager to feature.

The coach indicated that final decisions on their involvement would be made following the last training session on Monday evening. Protecting these stars from further injury—or from picking up a second yellow card—is likely a priority as the Super Eagles look ahead to the business end of the tournament.

In the current Group C standings, Nigeria sits firmly at the top with six points and a +2 goal difference, having won both of their opening fixtures. Tunisia follows in second place with three points and a +1 goal difference, while Tanzania and Uganda trail at the bottom with one point each. Tanzania holds a slight edge in third place due to a superior goal difference of -1 compared to Uganda’s -2, leaving the Cranes with a steep mountain to climb in their final group match against the Super Eagles.

Nigeria is aiming to maintain their 100% record in Morocco and secure a 16th consecutive appearance in the AFCON knockout rounds.