Nigeria will begin their group-stage campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations against Tanzania next Tuesday as they chase a fourth continental title, but former international Mohammed Gambo believes success will depend largely on head coach Eric Chelle getting his tactics right.
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, Gambo, who represented Nigeria at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, insisted that the Super Eagles possess enough quality to win the tournament, despite the low expectations surrounding the team.
However, he stressed that the coach must fully understand his players and deploy them in roles that suit their strengths.
“I saw the friendly game and I believe Chelle decided to experiment with a few players, with most of them playing in different positions,” Gambo exclusively told Footy-Africa. “The coach will have to know his players properly and where they play so that he can get the best from them. During the Egypt game, I noticed the boy from Italy (Akinsanmiro) playing behind the strikers, but I think he is better in front of the defence.
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“I remember him from his Beyond Limits days when I was with the Pillars youth team and monitoring young players. He is more defensive than offensive,” he added.
The former Kano Pillars man also pointed to other players whose club form has not always translated to the national team, noting that tactical clarity will be crucial.
“There are a few other players too, like Onuachu, who is doing well in Turkey but hardly does well for Nigeria. The coach will have to understand the players and play to their strengths. I know his tactics will depend on who we are playing, but he has to get formations that will help the players. If we can do that, then I see us going far in the competition. Most times, when Nigerians do not have hope in the national team, that is when they perform. I believe it will be the same,” the Kano Pillars coach added.
Nigeria will be hoping to turn preparation lessons into positive results when their AFCON campaign kicks off in earnest.
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The Super Eagles head into the tournament on the back of a 2–1 friendly defeat to Egypt, their only test game before AFCON.
In that encounter, Chelle experimented with several players and formations as he assessed his options ahead of the competition.
