By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York
Former Super Falcons coach Sam Okpodu has advised the Super Eagles to emphasize tactical discipline if they aim to excel in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which commenced in Morocco on Sunday.
In an exclusive interview with JerseyNumber12, Okpodu urged Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to implement game plans that effectively counter opponents’ tactics throughout the tournament.
Analyzing Tanzania’s style of play, Okpodu believes that Nigeria can secure victory in their opening game if the players manage ball transitions effectively.
“A low block should not hinder our success if we have a solid game plan. We possess technically skilled players, but do we have functional, tactical responsibilities and a coherent strategy? That’s key to success,” he stated.
The former Bendel Insurance FC midfielder emphasized the importance of selecting a tactical system that fosters team cohesion. “We cannot win the AFCON if we continue to rely on hope; successful teams operate based on well-planned systems,” he added.
Okpodu further explained that the Super Eagles’ ability to triumph over Tanzania will depend on maintaining possession and effectively creating scoring opportunities through strategic gameplay.
Historically, Nigeria has dominated encounters against Tanzania, remaining unbeaten across seven matches with four wins and three draws, scoring 11 goals to Tanzania’s three, including a notable AFCON group stage win in 1980.
As the tournament progresses, Okpodu’s insights underscore the necessity for the Super Eagles to adopt a disciplined and strategic approach to achieve success in AFCON 2025.
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