Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle hints at a tactical shift for the AFCON semi-final against Morocco due to player fatigue

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has suggested he may adjust his tactical approach ahead of Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Morocco on Wednesday, citing player fatigue.

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The Malian coach has primarily deployed a 4-4-2 diamond formation, with Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams leading the attack.

The strategy has seen Nigeria score 14 goals in five matches, creating the most chances in the tournament and overwhelming opponents including Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Mozambique, and Algeria.

Chelle told reporters on Tuesday, “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.”

The comments suggest that Chelle could adopt a more cautious first-half strategy before ramping up intensity in the second, balancing energy conservation with maintaining their high-tempo, aggressive style.

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The Super Eagles’ tactical flexibility will be closely watched as they aim to secure a place in the AFCON 2025 final, with Morocco presenting a stern test for Chelle’s squad.