With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations less than 24 hours away, former Super Eagles midfielder Mohammed Gambo has put the spotlight squarely on Eric Chelle’s tactics, warning that Nigeria’s fate in Morocco could be decided as much on the touchline as on the pitch, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria’s recent 2-1 friendly defeat to Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium may not count for points, but for Gambo, it raised some important questions.
In an interview with Footy-Africa, the ex-international suggested that Chelle’s willingness to shuffle players into unfamiliar roles could either become a masterstroke, or a costly gamble once the tournament begins.
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“I saw the friendly game and I believe Chelle decided to experiment with a few players, with most of them playing in different positions,” he said. “The coach will have to know his players properly and where they play so that he can get the best from them.”
One player who caught his attention was Ebenezer Akinsanmiro. The former Beyond Limits midfielder, now plying his trade in Italy, played in a more advanced role against Egypt, a move Gambo feels does not suit his natural strengths.
“During the Egypt game, I noticed the boy from Italy (Akinsanmiro) playing behind the strikers, but I think he is better in front of the defence,” he explained. “I remember him from his Beyond Limits days when I was with the Pillars youth team and monitoring young players. He is more defensive than offensive.”
Gambo also pointed to familiar issues around personnel, highlighting how club form does not always translate to international impact and citing Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu as an example.
“There are a few other players too, like Onuachu, who is doing well in Turkey but hardly does well for Nigeria,” Gambo noted. “The coach will have to understand the players and play to their strengths.
“I know his tactics will depend on who we are playing, but he has to get formations that will help the players.
“If we can do that, then I see us going far in the competition. Most times, when Nigerians do not have hope in the national team, that is when they perform. I believe it will be the same.”
Nigeria will open their AFCON campaign against Tanzania on Tuesday, December 23, before clashes with Tunisia and Uganda. For Gambo, Chelle’s ability to tailor his formations to both his players and the opposition will be crucial.
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