Nigeria boss Eric Chelle has revealed that his team could adopt a more defensive approach for their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against hosts Morocco on Wednesday.
Chelle's team, who finished as runners-up in the 2023 edition, have been in fine form this year, topping the charts for goals (14), expected goals (12.8) and big chances (26).
They have also scored at least two goals in all five matches in this tournament and could become the first team to do so in six consecutive matches in a single edition.
However, they face a stern test in Morocco, who have won their last three games at AFCON without conceding a goal, while they have not let one in from open play thus far.
Nigeria have not won the competition since their 2013 success over Burkina Faso, and Chelle believes a more reserved game plan could be more successful for his team.
"Morocco is a strong team, and there will be pressure in front of the host nation," Chelle told reporters.
"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.
"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."
Morocco, meanwhile, have enjoyed a dream campaign in the first AFCON tournament they have hosted since 1988, where Cameroon emerged victorious.
But Walid Regragui's side have the chance to make history themselves with a semi-final win, which would book their place in an AFCON showpiece for the first time since 2004.
They have already beaten Tanzania and Cameroon in the knockout stage on their way to the final four, though their progression has been criticised by the media because they are the host nation.
Some broadcast pundits and supporters online have bemoaned a perceived leniency towards Morocco from the tournament officials.
Regragui, however, has poured cold water on those conspiracies, saying: "It's always a shame to go down this path.
"They want to make people believe that matches are always won this way.
"Let's not kid ourselves, it's always been the case on the African continent to sow doubts and controversies. You journalists need to do your job.
"A penalty can be given one way in one match and not in another. A handball is called in one match and not in another.
"I watch a lot of matches because we have many players in Europe, and the controversies are the same everywhere, in Africa or in Europe."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Nigeria – Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman has been directly involved in 11 goals in 11 appearances for Nigeria at AFCON (six goals, five assists); more than any other player across the last two editions.
He is also the only player with 5+ goals and 5+ assists since the start of the 2023 edition, and he will be out to add to his tally at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah.
Morocco – Brahim Diaz
Brahim Diaz has scored in all five matches at the 2025 AFCON and could become the first player in the competition's history to score in six different matches in a single edition.
Indeed, in the 21st century, only Vincent Aboubakar (eight with Cameroon in 2022) has scored more goals than the on-loan AC Milan midfielder's five, while Ahmed Faras (six) is the only player to net more times for Morocco at the tournament.
EmeraldJ
1
He's simply playing a mind game
Kuadmopr
2
what is this man talking about here. going out there to play defensive football ? Mr coach am sure you are joking. make sure you play attacking football. never you provoke gods of the land. it's looks like you had been bribed .
fiocilosty
1
I don't think this approach would suit the Supper Eagles right, let them continue the same way they have been playing. I think Nigeria will win this one 🕐
ZAZA19
1
Saying this to the press simply means he will do the opposite
summerslarm
1
I'd be surprised if you instruct the players as you've told journalists here. Who reels out his team tactics to the press for the fun of it?