Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has suggested Nigeria could change their approach for Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Morocco, admitting his players are beginning to feel the effects of a demanding tournament, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria have been the most eye-catching team at AFCON 2025 so far, scoring 14 goals in five matches, creating the most chances and winning all their games on the way to the last four. Their high-tempo, energetic and aggressive style has overwhelmed opponents including Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Mozambique and Algeria.
That bold approach has made the Super Eagles the tournament’s standout entertainers, with their intensity and directness consistently catching teams off guard. But with the stakes now at their highest, Chelle has conceded that fatigue may be creeping into his squad.
The Malian tactician, who led Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2023 AFCON, indicated Nigeria could be prepared to sacrifice possession against the hosts and play a more patient, reactive game.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chelle said: “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.”
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‘Morocco is not Algeria' – Chelle warns against complacency
Despite Nigeria’s impressive run, Chelle has also warned his players not to underestimate Morocco, even after the Super Eagles’ commanding 2-0 win over Algeria in the quarter-finals.
Nigeria have already beaten two North African sides at this tournament, but Chelle insists Morocco represent a different kind of challenge and must be treated as such.
“Algeria and Morocco are two good teams with good players,” Chelle said. “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.”
The semi-final will be played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with the winners set to face either Egypt or Senegal in Sunday’s final, as Nigeria aim to take one more step towards continental glory.
