Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle and midfielder Alex Iwobi have expressed confidence in Nigeria’s readiness ahead of their crucial semi-final clash against Morocco, insisting the team is focused, united, and prepared for another tough test.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Chelle described the encounter as a major challenge, coming on the back of Nigeria’s impressive outing against Algeria.
This is a big game, a semi-final against a big team. We played well against Algeria, and now we must prepare for another strong opponent. We still have our last training session today and we will be ready for tomorrow, Chelle said.
Iwobi echoed the coach’s confidence, praising the team’s mentality and approach to big games.
We respect every opponent. Algeria was very good, but now we are excited about the challenge ahead. We will prepare well and hopefully be ready for the game, the Fulham star stated.
The Super Eagles will, however, be without captain Wilfred Ndidi, whose absence Chelle admitted is a blow, but not one that will weaken the team’s belief.
I’m disappointed for him because he brings so much to the team, but we are a group. There are good players waiting for their chance. I trust them and I’m very confident, the coach said.
Chelle also noted that while Morocco and Algeria are both strong sides, they present different tactical challenges.
Morocco is a big team with many strengths and also some weaknesses. Their football is different from Algeria’s. We will try to find the best way to hurt them, he added.
Iwobi highlighted the strong chemistry within the squad, describing the team as a family both on and off the pitch.
Everybody is entering their prime and doing well for their clubs. You can see the joy and chemistry when we play for Nigeria. There’s big unity here, and it starts from the coach. We are fighting for each other, he said.
On the issue of travel fatigue, Iwobi made it clear the players will not hide behind excuses.
Travel is demanding, but we are professionals. We can’t use that as an excuse. The coach always tells us it’s about our state of mind. Whatever we have physically, we give our best, he said.
With confidence high and unity strong, the Super Eagles will look to overcome the hosts and secure a place in the final when they face Morocco in what promises to be a fiery semi-final encounter.
