(DDM) – As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches in Morocco, the Super Eagles of Nigeria are finalizing preparations amid mixed emotions.
Midfielder Chukwuemeka Onyeka has praised the transformative impact of head coach Chelle, while expressing concern over the absence of young defender Benjamin Fredrick.
Onyeka revealed that Chelle’s appointment has significantly changed both the tactical approach and overall culture of the team.
“I think he came in and changed everything, the way we played, the way we’ve been set up, and his philosophy is just really good,” Onyeka told reporters.
Under Chelle, the Super Eagles have adopted a more possession-based style of football that emphasizes discipline, quick transitions, and structured attacking movements.
Players have lauded the coach’s leadership approach, describing him as approachable, supportive, and able to balance strict discipline with camaraderie on and off the pitch.
The changes under Chelle have reportedly boosted the confidence of younger players, helping them integrate into the senior team while understanding their responsibilities on the field.
However, the team faces a major setback with the confirmed unavailability of Benjamin Fredrick due to a knee injury sustained during his loan spell in Belgium.
Fredrick, who like Onyeka is contracted to English club Brentford, has quickly become a key figure in Nigeria’s defensive lineup since his debut.
“It’s a big blow for us because Benjamin has integrated himself into the team and everybody loves him,” Onyeka admitted, emphasizing both the tactical and emotional gap his absence creates.
DDM gathered that football analysts suggest Fredrick’s absence could force Chelle to reconsider his defensive strategy, potentially testing the squad’s depth and flexibility ahead of Morocco 2025.
The AFCON tournament will feature strong competition from traditional powerhouses such as Egypt, Senegal, Algeria, and the host nation Morocco.
Fans on social media have already sparked debates, praising Chelle’s tactical vision while expressing concerns over how Nigeria will cope without Fredrick in defense.
Preparations continue with rigorous training sessions, team-building exercises, and friendly matches aimed at maintaining cohesion despite the absence of key players.
Nigeria’s squad remains optimistic, believing that Chelle’s philosophy, leadership, and experience can guide the team through challenging group-stage matches and potentially to the latter stages of the tournament.
The coming weeks will test the Super Eagles’ tactical adaptability, mental resilience, and squad depth, with Chelle’s approach likely to come under intense scrutiny from fans, media, and football analysts alike.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s hope of lifting the AFCON trophy may hinge on a combination of strategic discipline, individual brilliance, and the ability of players to step up in the absence of Fredrick.