Nigeria welcome full squad as Chelle considers tactical change for Tanzania

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have a full squad available for their second training session ahead of Friday’s AFCON qualifier against Tanzania, with coach Eric Chelle expected to test a more attacking approach.

Around 17 players, including the three goalkeepers, took part in the opening session on Thursday. The limited numbers meant the coach was unable to carry out detailed tactical or technical work.

The arrival of all the invited players will allow Chelle to focus on the team’s planned approach in training later today.

Nigeria are expected to prepare for a Tanzania side likely to defend deep and look for opportunities to counter-attack. Chelle therefore wants his team to adopt an offensive outlook for Friday’s match.

One option under consideration is a change from the diamond formation. Nigeria could instead line up in a conventional 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3 system featuring one holding midfielder and two more advanced attacking midfielders.

The coach is also expected to assess Moses Simon and Usor Moses as traditional wingers, particularly if Tanzania sit back and restrict the space in front of their defence.

Nigeria’s full-backs may be instructed to push higher up the pitch as part of the plan to apply pressure and provide additional width against a defensive opponent.

Chelle will use the second session to work through those alternatives before deciding how the Super Eagles will set up for the qualifier on Friday.