Chelle, Iwobi Confident As Super Eagles Brace For AFCON Semi-final Against Morocco

Chelle, Iwobi Confident As Super Eagles Brace For AFCON Semi-final Against Morocco

By Niyi Busari 

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle and midfielder Alex Iwobi have expressed strong confidence ahead of Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash against hosts Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s encounter, Chelle acknowledged the physical and mental demands placed on the team due to extensive travel in the build-up to the match but insisted that the players remain focused and prepared.

“We have to work hard to win this on Wednesday,” Chelle said. “Of course, it is very demanding traveling to different places within three days ahead of a semi-final, but as professionals, it doesn’t matter. We must be mentally ready and give our best despite the stress. We have no excuses.”

Midfield playmaker Alex Iwobi echoed his coach’s optimism while addressing journalists during the pre-match press conference. The Fulham star said the team would approach the semi-final with the same mindset that has carried them through the tournament so far.

“We are coming into the semi-final against the host Morocco with the same mentality we’ve had in previous games,” Iwobi said. “We hope to achieve the same results we’ve been getting, having won our last five matches.”

Iwobi also played down suggestions of a tactical overhaul following Nigeria’s improved performances compared to earlier outings in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

“I can’t really pinpoint what we did differently between the World Cup qualifiers and the AFCON,” he explained. “What I know is that we played together like a family and gave our best. I thank God that this time it’s working positively, and the results are coming.”

Nigeria remain the only team at the 2025 AFCON to have won all five of their matches so far, scoring 14 goals on their way to the semi-finals. The three-time African champions, last crowned in 2013, will take on Morocco on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with a place in the final at stake.