As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations commences in Morocco, a former Nigerian international has delivered a pointed message to the head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle. Gambo Mohammed, who represented Nigeria at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, has urged the tactician to be more astute in his player deployments if the team hopes to excel in the tournament.
Gambo's Concerns After Egypt Friendly Defeat
The advice from the ex-player comes in the wake of Nigeria's 1-2 loss to the Pharaohs of Egypt in a recent international friendly. According to reports from Complete Sports, Gambo raised concerns after observing that Coach Chelle deployed several players in positions that did not maximize their strengths during that match.
Speaking to Footy Africa, Gambo Mohammed emphasized the need for the coach to have a deep understanding of his squad. "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 stated. "The coach will have to know his players properly and where they play so that he can get the best from them."
Specific Player Observations and Group Stage Challenge
Gambo provided a specific example, pointing out the positioning of midfielder Akinsanmiro. "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 analyzed, recalling the player's defensive prowess from his youth days at Beyond Limits.
He also mentioned striker Paul Onuachu, who excels in the Turkish league but has often struggled to replicate that form for the national team, as another player requiring tailored management.
The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, are placed in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. Their campaign begins on December 23 with a fixture against Tanzania, followed by matches against Tunisia and Uganda. Nigeria enters the tournament as one of the favourites, boasting a squad that includes CAF Players of the Year Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
The Path to Redemption After 2023 Final Heartbreak
The Nigerian team carries the weight of expectation and a desire for redemption. In the last edition of AFCON, the Super Eagles finished as runners-up, suffering a 2-1 defeat to hosts Ivory Coast in a thrilling final. The current campaign presents an opportunity to go one step further and clinch a fourth continental title.
Gambo Mohammed believes that tactical clarity is the key. "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," he advised. Expressing a classic Nigerian football optimism, he added, "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."
Broader Context: Mikel Obi Criticizes NFF Preparations
This tactical counsel arrives amidst broader criticisms of the team's preparation. Chelsea legend and former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has publicly slammed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for what he perceives as inadequate planning leading up to the tournament in Morocco.
Mikel Obi stated he expected concrete plans from the NFF, especially after Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This backdrop adds further pressure on Coach Eric Chelle and his technical crew to deliver a strong performance with the resources at their disposal, making Gambo Mohammed's advice on maximizing player potential even more pertinent.
All eyes will now be on Morocco to see if the Super Eagles, under Eric Chelle's guidance, can heed this experienced counsel and soar to the heights expected of them.
