‘My squad is tired’ — Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle wary ahead of AFCON semifinal against Morocco

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has admitted his side may need to adjust their approach ahead of Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations semifinal clash against hosts Morocco.

With Nigeria facing a physically demanding schedule and another tough North African opponent, Chelle hinted at a more cautious game plan as the Super Eagles chase a place in the final.

Nigeria have been one of the most exciting teams at AFCON 2025, scoring 14 goals on their way to the last four, but Chelle acknowledged the toll the tournament has taken on his players. “I feel that my squad is tired, so I may have to change my approach,” the 48-year-old told reporters on Tuesday.

Rather than pressing high from the outset, Chelle suggested Nigeria could allow Morocco to dominate possession and look to strike on the counterattack. “We might let Morocco have the ball and wait for them.

“We have seen that they struggle when they come up against a low block,” he explained. “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.”

Morocco, who are yet to concede from open play in the tournament, needed a late Brahim Díaz strike to edge Tanzania 1–0 in the round of 16 before producing a commanding 2–0 win over Cameroon in the quarter-finals to reach their first AFCON semifinal since 2004.

Chelle also stressed that stopping Morocco will require more than just neutralising their star man, Real Madrid forward Brahim Díaz, who has scored five goals in five consecutive games.

“Algeria and Morocco are two good teams with good players, but Morocco doesn't play like Algeria, and Walid Regragui isn't Vladimir Petkovic,” Chelle noted. “I will have to work, and my group too, to beat this team tomorrow.”

Nigeria arrive in the semifinal having already knocked out Tunisia and Algeria, underlining their comfort against North African opposition. However, the Super Eagles will be without suspended captain Wilfred Ndidi, a major blow in midfield.

Despite that setback, Chelle can still call on significant attacking threats. Victor Osimhen has scored four goals at the tournament, while Ademola Lookman has been a creative force, providing four assists.

As Nigeria prepare for a tactical battle in Rabat, Chelle’s cautious tone reflects both respect for the hosts and belief that, even with tired legs, the Super Eagles can still find a way through.