Swiss-based Nigerian coach Adeyemi Adeyemi has expressed confidence in the Super Eagles’ ability to defeat hosts Morocco when both sides clash later tonight in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat.
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Speaking to Sports247, Adeyemi believes Nigeria have the quality and tactical structure to overcome the Atlas Lions, even in the absence of influential midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.
“To be honest with you, the Super Eagles have what it takes to defeat the Moroccans, even without Ndidi,” Adeyemi said.
The coach identified Ndidi’s replacement as the key selection dilemma facing Nigeria’s technical crew, suggesting Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika as a reliable, like-for-like option.
“He just needs to get a like-for-like substitute for Ndidi, and I think Raphael Onyedika will do a great job. This is the big headache for the coach, so he must decide right,” he added.
Adeyemi stressed the importance of maintaining Nigeria’s current tactical identity, warning against any unnecessary experimentation at such a crucial stage of the tournament.
“We need to stick to our style of play—attack as a unit, defend as a unit, retain our attacking mindset, and keep the balance in the team by playing a three-man midfield,” he explained.
He further cautioned against reverting to a two-man midfield system, which he believes has proven less effective.
“I pray he doesn’t go back to the two-man midfield he started with when he first got the job. Since we’ve been playing with a three-man midfield, we’ve been getting results, including clean sheets in our last two matches.”
Looking ahead to the tactical battle against Morocco, Adeyemi acknowledged the quality of the hosts, describing them as more technically and tactically advanced than Nigeria’s previous opponents.
“The Moroccans are more tactical and technical than the Tunisians or Algerians, so our coach must get his decisions and tactics right. If he gets it right, we will win the match; otherwise, it could backfire,” he warned.
Adeyemi concluded by highlighting the importance of game management, particularly substitutions, as a decisive factor in the encounter.
“Maintaining team balance and making the right substitutions will be very important. They are going to play a vital role if the Super Eagles are to fly past the Atlas Lions.”
Nigeria and Morocco meet later tonight in Rabat, with a place in the AFCON 2025 final at stake.
