Chelle’s Future in Doubt as Morocco Reveal How Eagles Were Neutralised

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle admitted his future with Nigeria is uncertain after his side crashed out of the Africa Cup of Nations on penalties against hosts Morocco, as the Atlas Lions’ coach lifted the lid on the tactical plan that neutralised Nigeria’s attacking threat.

Nigeria were eliminated late on Tuesday night following a tense semi-final that ended level before Morocco prevailed in the shootout, plunging the Eagles’ camp into introspection and raising questions over Chelle’s tenure.

Speaking after the match, a visibly reflective Chelle suggested decisions over his role may come swiftly.

“Now, I don’t know my future,” the Franco-Malian coach said. “I know I am the coach of Nigeria. Maybe in two days, my president will tell me it is finished, or maybe that I have to continue. I don’t know.”

The defeat capped a grueling encounter in which Nigeria struggled to impose their attacking rhythm, particularly in midfield. Morocco head coach Walid Regragui later disclosed that shutting down Alex Iwobi was central to his game plan.

“Tactically, we cannot divulge everything,” Walid said, “but the idea was to block their playmaker Iwobi.”

“He was trying to look for through passes to Osimhen and Lookman. It was a bit complicated because it required a lot of energy,” Walid explained.

“We had to increase our intensity, track back consistently, recover loose balls from poor passes, and then transition quickly to attack.”

Nigeria created chances but were repeatedly forced wide or slowed in transition, allowing Morocco to stay compact and disciplined until the decisive shootout.

The result leaves Nigeria to contest the third-place playoff, while uncertainty hangs over Chelle’s future as the Nigeria Football Federation weighs its next move.