By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has attributed his team’s second-half struggles in their 2-1 semifinal victory over Ghana to fatigue brought on by a high-intensity pressing system, describing the performance as a work in progress under his evolving tactical blueprint.
The Super Eagles started brightly at the Gtech Community Stadium in London on Wednesday, dominating proceedings in the first half with quick, assertive play that left Ghana scrambling to respond. A well-taken finish from Cyriel Dessers — his third goal for Nigeria — and an own goal by Ghanaian defender Razak Simpson saw Nigeria take a 2-0 lead into the break.
But the tide turned after halftime. The Black Stars came out with renewed energy, pressing higher up the pitch and putting Nigeria under sustained pressure. Chelle’s side looked leggy, struggled to maintain possession, and failed to match the intensity they had shown in the opening 45 minutes. Ghana pulled a goal back midway through the half, setting up a tense finish that tested Nigeria’s resolve.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Chelle — who took over the Nigerian national team earlier this year — said the physical demands of his high-pressing style are not yet sustainable across a full 90 minutes for his players.
“My philosophy is to apply high pressure on the pitch, but the system is very difficult for the players,” the Franco-Malian tactician admitted. “My dream is for the team to press high for the full game, but right now, I think that is impossible. We need time to work and improve.”
The tactical and physical challenge has been a recurring theme since Chelle’s appointment. The second-half dip bore similarities to Nigeria’s recent World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in Uyo, where they also lost control after taking an early lead and were eventually held to a frustrating draw.
Chelle pointed out that he has had limited time with the squad since taking over, noting that the team has had just seven or eight training sessions under his leadership so far.
“We’ve played three games — two wins and one draw — but we need more time. The players need to understand clearly what I want,” he said. “I think we had a great first half today, but in the second half, we were tired. Still, I’m proud of the players. They fought hard. It was difficult, but they showed character, and I think we deserved the victory.”
The win over arch-rivals Ghana sends Nigeria into the final of the 2025 Unity Cup, where they will face Jamaica, who edged Trinidad and Tobago 3-2 in the other semifinal. The final, set to be played at the same venue, promises a lively climax to the friendly tournament, which has served as an experimental proving ground for Chelle’s young team.
With silverware now within reach, the coach says the focus will be on recovery and fine-tuning ahead of the final clash.
“We are still learning, still building. But we have a group of players who are committed, and I believe we can go all the way,” Chelle said.
The Unity Cup final will also be a crucial test of how far Nigeria has come under its new manager — and how much more work lies ahead on the road to continental and World Cup ambitions.
