By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York
Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has stated that tactical superiority will be the deciding factor in the highly anticipated AFCON 2025 semi-final clash between Nigeria and Morocco, scheduled for Wednesday in Rabat.
Speaking on his podcast, Oliseh praised both teams’ performances so far but emphasized that the coach who best applies effective tactics to neutralize the opponent will lead their side into the final.
“If you attack, Nigeria goes counter. If you defend, Nigeria pulls out. Make your choice,” he said. “That’s why I said the manager with the best tactics will go through to the final.”
Oliseh, a former Juventus midfielder and member of Nigeria’s golden generation, identified Morocco as the most tactically disciplined team Nigeria has faced in the tournament and described the clash as the biggest test yet for the Super Eagles.
He also downplayed an over-reliance on Victor Osimhen, stressing that Nigeria’s current squad is a well-balanced collective unit.
Nigeria is not just Victor Osimhen. Nigeria is this eleven solid players, Oliseh noted. “For the past twenty years, I’ve never seen a Nigerian Super Eagles side play with the same tactical identity as they’ve shown against Uganda, Mozambique, and Algeria.”
Oliseh also urged teams to remain wary of Senegal, highlighting the Teranga Lions’ ability to rise to big occasions and perform under pressure.
Praising the organization and quality of AFCON 2025, the ex-Super Eagles coach lauded the infrastructure and match venues in Morocco, calling them “world-class.”
“The quality of football has to do with the infrastructure. I’ve been on the pitch many times. Each pitch looks like it was just made,” he said. “I can say this is as good as the World Cup in Qatar – if not even better in some cases.”
With both Morocco and Nigeria in fine form, the second semi-final of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations promises to be a thrilling tactical battle, as both sides chase a spot in Sunday’s final and a shot at continental glory.
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