“We might let Morocco have the ball”: Eric Chelle prepare for chess match with Morocco in AFCON semi-final

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·13 January 2026

“We might let Morocco have the ball”: Eric Chelle prepare for chess match with Morocco in AFCON semi-final

Nigeria head coach unveils Nigeria’s plan for Atlas Lions

“We might let Morocco have the ball”: Eric Chelle prepare for chess match with Morocco in AFCON semi-final

OneFootball Videos

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle declared his squad ready for their AFCON 2025 semi-final against hosts Morocco.

Speaking at press conference in Rabat on Tuesday, Chelle acknowledged the scale of the challenge awaiting the Super Eagles who face Moroccan side yet to concede from open play in the tournament.

“Every match is a new challenge for us” Chelle said. “We approach each one as if it is the last. Morocco have strengths & weaknesses and our job is to work well to exploit them”

The Nigerian coach confirmed that the suspension of captain Wilfred Ndidi will not derail his plans.

“We have quality players waiting for their chance. We will choose the best option to replace him” he explained insisting that the depth of his squad remains a key asset.

Chelle also played down the idea of building his game plan solely around stopping Brahim Diaz, the tournament’s top scorer with five goal.

“Díaz is special player but my focus is on the Moroccan team as a whole” he said. “What matters most to me is the physical condition of my players after playing just two day ago”

With fatigue a factor, the Nigerian coach hinted at shift in approach.

“My squad is tired, so I may have to change my strategy” Chelle admitted. “We might let Morocco have the ball and wait for them. We have seen they struggle against low block. We will try to hold in first half and then play our game in the second”

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He added that Nigeria may be prepared to sacrifice initiative if required stressing the importance of avoiding early goals and unnecessary risks.

“We could leave possession to Morocco depending on how the match unfolds. The priority is not to concede in first half and to avoid rushed changes”

Nigeria arrive in the semi final after beating Algeria 2 - 0 in the quarter finals having already faced North African opposition earlier in the tournament. Chelle underlined that Morocco present different puzzle.

“Algeria & Morocco are both strong teams but they do not play the same way. Walid Regragui is not Vladimir Petkovic. We must work to beat this team”

The Super Eagles will lean on the form of Victor Osimhen who has scored four goal and Ademola Lookman, the tournament’s leading provider with four assist.

When asked about the prospect of penalties, Chelle smiled.

“I will go to the mosque to pray” he said.

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With place in the AFCON final on the line, Nigeria appear ready to blend patience, structure and counter attacking threat in what Chelle calls the ultimate examination.