“I May Have to Change My Approach” – Chelle Hints at Possible Tactical Shift Ahead of Morocco Clash
Super Eagles head coach, Éric Sékou Chelle has suggested a possible change in Nigeria’s tactical approach ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash against hosts Morocco on Wednesday, January 14, at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat.
With the Super Eagles navigating a demanding AFCON campaign, Chelle admitted that fatigue within his squad could influence how Nigeria sets up against a Moroccan side buoyed by home support and attacking quality.
“I feel that my squad is tired, so I may have to change my approach,” Chelle said. “We might let Morocco have the ball and wait for them.”
“We’ve seen that they struggle when they come up against a low block. I think we’ll start like that. We’ll try to hold on in the first half and then play our game in the second half.”
Nigeria have impressed with their intensity and organisation throughout the tournament, but the coach’s comments point to a more cautious and pragmatic game plan against the Atlas Lions.
Allowing Morocco to dominate possession while remaining compact could help the Super Eagles conserve energy and limit spaces for the hosts’ creative players.
The semi-final is expected to be fiercely contested, with Nigeria chasing a return to the AFCON final after losing to Ivory Coast in the last edition while Morocco will be aiming to capitalise on home advantage to end their long wait for continental glory.
Chelle’s proposed tactical adjustment underlines the fine margins at this stage of the competition, where discipline, patience, and game management often prove decisive.
Kick-off on Wednesday promises a tactical battle as much as a test of character, with Nigeria hoping their experience and adaptability will be enough to overcome the hosts and book a place in the final.