Nigeria’s Super Eagles are preparing for what head coach Éric Chelle has described as their most demanding encounter of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as they take on tournament hosts Morocco in Wednesday’s semi-final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The three-time African champions have delivered an impressive run so far, recording convincing victories over Tunisia in the group stage and dispatching Algeria in the quarter-finals. Despite this strong form, Chelle has urged caution, stressing that past results will count for little against a formidable Moroccan side backed by home support.
Speaking to journalists ahead of the clash, Chelle emphasized the need for maximum effort and focus. He acknowledged the physical and mental strain of constant travel between cities within a short period but dismissed fatigue as an excuse. According to him, professionalism demands readiness regardless of the challenges, and his players must rise to the occasion.
Although Nigeria have won all five of their matches at the tournament, they are widely viewed as underdogs going into the semi-final. Morocco remain unbeaten, boast a passionate home crowd, and feature several players from the squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Chelle noted that while Algeria had posed a stern challenge, Morocco represent an even greater hurdle, reflecting the high expectations placed on his team at every stage of the competition.
The coach reiterated that his squad approaches each game with the mindset that it could be their last, a mentality he believes has driven their consistency. He assured fans that the team is fully prepared and determined to give everything once again.
Beyond tactical planning, Chelle’s concerns also include managing player fitness after an intense schedule that has seen the team move from Marrakech to Fès and then to Rabat in just a few days. He suggested Nigeria may adopt a more measured strategy, allowing Morocco more possession while looking to strike effectively on the counter-attack.
Nigeria will, however, be without their captain Wilfred Ndidi, who is suspended after receiving a second yellow card in the knockout stages. While disappointed by the absence of a key leader, Chelle expressed confidence in the depth of his squad and the readiness of others to step up.
Raphael Onyedika is expected to fill the midfield role, having already deputized effectively earlier in the tournament. The Club Brugge midfielder has scored twice and shown he can handle the responsibility, giving both the coaching staff and supporters optimism ahead of the crucial showdown.
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