Eric Chelle, coach of Nigeria during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON Nigeria press conference at Main Media Centre in Rabat, Morocco on 13 January 2026 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Wednesday Jan 14, 2026. 11:00
Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle has hinted that he may have to change his game plan for the Super Eagles upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final against Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday.
The former Malian international, who lead Mali to the quarterfinals at the last edition of the continental showpiece, admitted that his squad was losing steam as its campaign continues.
“I feel my group is tired. Perhaps it’s time for me to change my approach,” said Chelle, speaking in the pre-match press conference.
The host nation presents a tough challenge for the Super Eagles, having conceded only one goal in the tournament thus far and boasting the competitions’ leading scorer, Brahom Diaz.
Chelle, knowing the threat the Atlas Lions pose, stated his side may have to be more patient than they have been in previous games.
“I think we’ll start that way. We’ll hold on in the first half and try to play our game in the second half,” he said.
Despite Nigeria’s strong performance against Algeria in the quarterfinals, winning 2-0, Chelle admitted that Morocco and Algeria are different teams and would require different planning and approaches.
“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 team too, to beat this team tomorrow.”
The winner of the clash between Morocco and Nigeria will face either Senegal or Egypt in the final on Sunday.
By Nic Gleeson