Eric Chelle’s tactical choices key to Nigeria’s AFCON journey – Mohammed Gambo ​

Former Super Eagles forward Mohammed Gambo believes Nigeria’s performance at AFCON 2025 will largely depend on how well head coach Eric Chelle uses his tactics.

Reflecting on the recent 2-1 friendly defeat to Egypt, he questioned some of the positional changes, arguing that several players were used away from their natural roles.

Gambo urged Chelle to build his system around the players’ strengths rather than forcing them into unfamiliar positions.

“I saw the friendly game and I believe Chelle decided to experiment with a few players, with most of them playing in different positions. The coach will have to know his players properly and where they play so that he can get the best from them,” he told Footy Africa.

“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. 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.

“There are a few other players too, like Onuachu, who is doing well in Turkey but hardly does well for Nigeria. 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 is in group C with Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.