With the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 kicking off in Morocco, all eyes are on the Super Eagles and the tactical vision of head coach Éric Sékou Chelle.

Following a mixed run of results and the disappointment of missing out on 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification, Chelle faces the challenge of redefining Nigeria’s strategy to reclaim its place at the pinnacle of African football.

Chelle’s strategy centers on versatility, fluid attacking patterns, and disciplined organisation.

Unlike the rigid systems of some predecessors, his approach adapts formations to the demands of each match, blending 4‑3‑1‑2 and 4‑4‑2 setups to control midfield, press high, and launch rapid transitions.

Early pre-tournament matches have revealed his willingness to rotate players, test combinations, and sharpen the team’s responsiveness to varied tactical scenarios.

Historically, Nigeria has alternated between defensive solidity and midfield control.

In 2023, under coach José Peseiro, the Super Eagles leaned on a 3‑4‑3 formation that prioritized a compact defence and counter-attacking pace.

This approach carried them to the final but sometimes stifled attacking creativity.

Conversely, the 2013 AFCON-winning side, led by the late Stephen Keshi, thrived with a 4‑2‑3‑1 setup, balancing structured build-up with midfield dominance, allowing creative sparks to influence play while maintaining a steady defensive backbone.

Chelle’s plan appears to merge these lessons. He seeks to retain the counter-attacking sharpness seen under Peseiro while reclaiming the disciplined midfield control of Keshi’s era.

Beyond formations, there is a clear focus on team cohesion, mental toughness, and adaptability, transforming Nigeria’s campaign into a high-stakes test of fortitude as well as skill.

Nigeria is drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, opening their campaign against Tanzania on Tuesday, December 23.

The Super Eagles will aim to assert dominance from the start, using Chelle’s tactical flexibility to navigate the challenges posed by each opponent.

The success of this strategy will hinge on execution. Nigeria must maintain defensive stability while unlocking fluid attacking combinations, manage transitions effectively, and leverage squad depth across the grueling tournament schedule.

Morocco presents formidable opponents, and Chelle’s approach will be tested against teams with contrasting styles and strengths.

As Afcon 2025 unfolds, the question is not just whether Nigeria can reach the latter stages, but whether Chelle’s blend of modern tactical innovation and historical insight can guide the Super Eagles back to the pinnacle of African football.

The team’s ability to balance structure with creativity may well determine if Nigeria adds another star to its continental legacy.

Wale Adejumo