Chelle May Change Tactics Against Morocco As CAF Appoints Ghanaian Officials
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has revealed that he could change the team’s tactics in the semi-final clash against Morocco on Wednesday.
Nigeria will battle it out with the hosts, who are yet to concede a goal from open play in the tournament, for a place in the final in Rabat.
The Super Eagles have enjoyed a prolific tournament, scoring 14 goals with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams finding joy in front of goal.
Chelle said he may adopt a defensive tactic and catch the Moroccans on the counter, citing fatigue for his consideration.
He said: “I feel that my squad is tired, so I may have to change my approach. We might let Morocco have the ball and wait for them.
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“We have seen that they struggle when they come up against a low block. I think we will start like that. We will try to hold on in the first half and then play our game in the second half.
Chelle has led Nigeria to victories over two North African countries, Tunisia, and Algeria in the tournament so far but he has refused to compare both teams to Morocco.
He said: “Algeria and Morocco are two good teams with good players, but Morocco doesn’t play like Algeria, and Walid Regragui isn’t Vladimir Petkovic. I will have to work, and my group too, to beat this team tomorrow.”
Similarly, Super Eagles star, Alex Iwobi has jailed the team’s unity ahead of the semi-final clash.
He said: “I feel like right now everybody is entering their prime, everyone is doing well for their clubs, and you can see the joy and the chemistry we have when playing for our country.
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“It is not just on the pitch, but also off the pitch, there is a big unity, we are a big family. It starts from the coach — he has brought that brotherhood.”
Meanwhile, The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea to officiate the semi-final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations between Nigeria and Morocco.
Nii Laryea will lead the officiating team, with South Africa’s Zakhele Siwela and Lesotho’s Souru Phatsoane serving as assistant referees.
Arsénio Maringule from Mozambique will act as the third assistant referee, while Rwanda’s Samuel Uwikunda will be the fourth official.
In the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) booth, Tom Abongile from South Africa, Haythem Guirat from Tunisia, and Stephen Yiembe from Kenya will be present. Lydia Abebe has been designated as the referee assessor for the match.
