A former Super Eagles star has issued a strong tactical warning to head coach Eric Chelle, casting doubt on Nigeria's chances of clinching the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco.
Gambo's Stern Warning to Coach Chelle
Former Nigeria international and current Kano Pillars head coach, Mohammed Gambo, has publicly cautioned Eric Chelle against deploying players out of their natural positions. Gambo believes this tactical misstep was a key factor in the Super Eagles' 2-1 defeat to Egypt in a recent friendly match.
Gambo pointed specifically to the deployment of Inter Milan's Ebenezer Akinsanmiro in an advanced role, arguing the player is more effective in a defensive midfield position. "I watched the friendly match and I strongly believe that Eric Chelle decided to experiment," Gambo stated, recalling Akinsanmiro's days at Beyond Limits.
He further highlighted the case of striker Paul Onuachu, who excels for his club in Turkey but has struggled to replicate that form for the national team. Gambo emphasized that tactical clarity and understanding player strengths will be non-negotiable for success at the tournament.
Mixed Fortunes Under Chelle's Leadership
The 48-year-old Chelle's tenure has been a rollercoaster. He guided Nigeria to its first trophy in over a decade by winning the 2025 Unity Cup, defeating Jamaica 5-4 on penalties. However, his record also includes significant setbacks.
Since taking over in January 2025, Chelle has lost two matches, against DR Congo and Egypt. Most critically, he failed to qualify the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a heartbreaking 4-3 playoff final defeat to DR Congo in November.
This failure has led to a palpable loss of interest among some fans, with legendary figure Segun Odegbami even admitting he stopped watching the team after the World Cup qualification debacle.
The Road to AFCON Glory in Morocco
Despite the skepticism, the mission for the three-time African champions is clear: win a fourth continental title in 12 years. Nigeria will begin its campaign against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania on Tuesday, December 23.
Sports journalist George Daniyan has urged Chelle to block out the noise and focus solely on the title challenge. "Eric Chelle must not be distracted; he must focus on winning the title," Daniyan said, noting that all eyes are on Nigeria as the continental giant.
While Gambo has expressed his doubts, he also acknowledged the squad possesses the quality needed to lift the trophy. The coming weeks will reveal if Coach Chelle can heed the warnings, rectify the tactical issues, and defy the odds to bring the AFCON cup back to Nigeria.
