AFCON: Nigeria coach Chelle brands Morocco game as biggest test

Nigeria’s senior men’s national team head coach, Eric Chelle, has described the Super Eagles’ 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final showdown against host nation Morocco as the team’s biggest test of the tournament.

Speaking to the press on Tuesday, Chelle acknowledged the magnitude of the task but insisted his squad is prepared to overcome the Atlas Lions to secure a spot in the final.

Following their convincing 2-0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals, the coach emphasized that his team’s discipline and vision are finally coalescing at the most crucial stage of the competition.

Addressing the media, Chelle noted that while his side has played every match as if it were their last, the host nation will provide their toughest challenge yet.

”Algeria was a big test, Morocco will be a bigger test. Every game is a big test for my team because expectation is so big but we are ready for this game.

In all the games we’ve played in this tournament we tried to play every one of them like the last and we will give everything.”

Chelle hints at potential tactical shift for Wednesday game

He also acknowledged the physical and mental demands placed on the team due to extensive travel in the build-up to the match.

“We have to work hard to win this on Wednesday.

Of course, it is very demanding traveling to different places within three days ahead of a semi-final, but as professionals, it doesn’t matter. We must be mentally ready and give our best despite the stress. We have no excuses.”

The Malian tactician further hinted at a potential tactical shift for Wednesday’s clash.

“When I resumed as Super Eagles coach, I was advised to play through the wings, and we adopted a 4-4-2 formation. At times it worked, and at other times it didn’t. At this tournament, however, we have been using a 4-3-3 formation, and it has clearly improved our performances.

I find that my group is tired; it might be time for me to change my approach.

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.”