Super Eagles’ coach, Eric Chelle has hinted that he will spring a surprise package on Mozambique in the round of 16 stage of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Sports247 reports.
With all permutations indicating that Mozambique will be Nigeria’s next opponents at AFCON 2025, in a fixture set for 8pm this Monday at Complexe Sportif de Fès, Chelle said he has started planning towards it.
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Although the former Mali and MC Oran of Algeria tactician preferred keeping details of his plan to himself, Chelle acknowledged that he has to start thinking about a winning strategy for Monday’s game.
The Franco-Malian gaffer took another look at Tuesday’s 3-1 victory over Uganda and, though it meant his team finished the first round with three straight victories, Chelle conceded that there is still room for improvement in the squad.
He noted, “We have to improve a lot of things. We’ve played only three games, and it’s just the group stage. We now have to get ready for the next game.
“It’s like another tournament is about to start, and it’s going to be tougher. So, for now, the only thing I have in my mind is to continue to work with my players.”
Chelle hinted that he would review his team’s games in the group stage and study Mozambique’s tapes more, in order to get a view of the strategy to outline for Monday’s first knock-out clash in Fes.
He added, “We have two days for us to get ready for the round of 16. So, I have to start analysing how to play the next game.
“I think we’ll play against Mozambique on Monday. I’ve watched their games already, and I noticed that they played well. So, I will have to start thinking about that game.
“We will also watch the games that we’ve played, and we’ll start preparing for the round of 16. For sure, the game will be tough.”
Chelle stopped short of revealing details of his game plan for Monday’s fixture but simply stated that he would prepare his wards in the best way possible for them to win and move into the quarterfinals.
“I will continue to work on my system, and maybe we will have a big surprise for the round of 16. I will not say what we will do, so that I don’t give my secrets to our opponents.
“Playing in the 16 round is a lot of pressure, but I’ve been facing pressure since I got here. I’ll just tell my players to stay calm and remain focused.
“I also have to be focused on the attitude of the players and their behaviour, because this is now the time for tough games. We need everybody to be ready 100%,” Chelle concluded.
