Former Nigeria international Emmanuel Emenike has raised a critical alarm over the Super Eagles' tactical setup at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, suggesting it could be the decisive factor that costs the team the continental crown.
Emenike's Stark Warning on Tactical Deficiency
The 2013 AFCON winner, who played a pivotal role in Nigeria's last triumph, expressed his concerns publicly on the ATHLST podcast. Emenike argued that despite boasting a squad filled with elite talents like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi, the team is operating without a coherent strategic blueprint from manager Eric Chelle.
"I think we have a lot of good players, but what we don't have is a game plan. I think we need a game plan," Emenike stated emphatically. He stressed that merely fielding star names is insufficient. "It's not about throwing players, especially big players like Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen. You need to tell them what you want from them."
Tanzania Opener Serves as a Wake-Up Call
Emenike pointed to Nigeria's opening Group D match, a 2-1 victory over Tanzania on December 27, 2025, as a clear example of the underlying issues. While the result was positive, the performance left many supporters and pundits unimpressed, with the Taifa Stars exposing defensive frailties.
The former Olympiacos forward analyzed how Tanzania successfully manipulated play to isolate Nigerian defenders, particularly targeting left-back Zaidu Sanusi. "They had the Super Eagles on one side of the pitch before eventually switching the ball to the other side, so they could take on our players one-on-one. They tried to exploit Zaidu Sanusi a lot, and their goal came from that. That's what I'm talking about," he explained.
This tactical vulnerability, according to Emenike, highlights a lack of preparation for the opposition's strategies, which could prove fatal against stronger teams in the knockout stages.
The Path Forward: Tactical Cohesion and Squad Competition
For Nigeria to secure a fourth AFCON title, adding to their victories in 1980, 1994, and 2013, Emenike believes a fundamental shift is required. He emphasized that top players must receive clear instructions to maximize their impact on the pitch. Without this guidance, even the most gifted individuals can be neutralized by well-organized opponents.
Furthermore, the ex-striker highlighted the importance of fierce competition for places within the squad to maintain peak performance levels. The message is unambiguous: individual brilliance alone cannot win tournaments; tactical cohesion and a defined game plan are non-negotiable.
The Super Eagles' next test is a crucial encounter against Tunisia on Saturday, December 27. A win could secure their passage to the Round of 16. Historically, matches between the two nations have been tight, with Nigeria winning 5 of their 21 meetings, Tunisia 6, and 10 ending in draws.
Interestingly, Emenike's concerns come amid external backing for the team. Former Chelsea and Roma manager Jose Mourinho has previously stated that Nigeria possesses the necessary quality to defy the odds and win in Morocco, especially after the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Coach Eric Chelle to see if he can address these tactical criticisms and mold Nigeria's array of stars into a cohesive, title-winning unit.
