Former Nigerian international, Mohammed Gambo, has expressed that the Super Eagles’ success at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco will largely hinge on head coach Eric Chelle’s tactical decisions.
Gambo made the remarks following Nigeria’s 2-1 friendly defeat to Egypt on Tuesday, highlighting his concerns about the positioning of certain players.
Nigeria is set to begin their AFCON campaign against Tanzania on Tuesday, December 23, before taking on Tunisia and Uganda in subsequent matches.
Speaking to Footy Africa, Gambo, who featured for the Super Eagles at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, urged Chelle to deploy players according to their natural strengths.
“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.
“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.”
