AFCON 2025
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has explained his decision to deploy two different tactical formations in Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over Tanzania in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying encounter in Uyo on Friday.
The Franco-Malian coach revealed that the tactical switch was part of his pre-match plan, with Nigeria starting in a 4-4-2 diamond formation before transitioning to a 4-4-2 flat system in the second half.
Nigeria took an early lead through Alhassan Yusuf in the second minute, but Tanzania responded in the 32nd minute, with Alphonce Msanga drawing the visitors level.
Speaking after the match, Chelle explained that the initial formation was designed to facilitate high pressing, which helped the Super Eagles make an early impact.
“I spoke with the players. The game plan was like that. We were supposed to start with the 4-4-2 diamond and second half 4-4-2 flat,” he said.
“I asked them to make a high pressure in the first half. They did and we scored the first goal.”
Chelle admitted that a brief lapse in concentration allowed Tanzania to equalise but was pleased with his players’ response after the interval.
“The problem was that in the first half, in this 30 seconds we lost our concentration, and we conceded a goal. After that, in the second half, we just followed the plan.”
The tactical adjustment paid off as Nigeria regained control, with substitute Tolu Arokodare scoring twice in the 52nd and 60th minutes to seal the victory.
Reflecting on the result, Chelle described the performance as positive but stressed that the team must quickly turn their attention to the return fixture.
“It was a good game, and we have another game in few days. We have to go to Tanzania and win this game,” he added.
The victory takes Nigeria to six points in Group L, keeping the Super Eagles firmly in the race for qualification for the 2027 AFCON.
The Super Eagles will travel to Dar es Salaam for the return fixture against Tanzania, with Chelle’s men aiming to secure another victory.
