Insisting his team is prepared to rise to the occasion as both sides fight for a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations final tonight in Rabat, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has minimised the pressure of playing tournament hosts Morocco.
Meeting again at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium, Nigeria and Morocco rekindle a feud that has produced close matches in the past.
With Nigeria after a fourth continental championship, the stakes are greater this time around, as an incredible run has fuelled expectations countrywide.
Rather than the event itself, The News Chronicle understands the Super Eagles camp is still calm and concentrated, with training focused on tactical discipline and mental fortitude.
Stressing that every game at this level calls for the same intensity and belief, Chelle has compared the work ahead to Nigeria’s quarterfinal exam.
Midfield leader Alex Iwobi echoed the coach’s optimism, emphasising teamwork and maturity among the team as major driving forces behind Nigeria’s excellent performance so far.
He observed that the combination of experience and unity has resulted in better performances on the pitch and restored faith off it.
Egypt and Senegal will challenge the first semi-final earlier today; Morocco and Nigeria will be centre stage later in the evening.
CAF has chosen Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea to supervise the match, a decision thought to be consistent with attempts to guarantee solid and fair officiating.
Having momentum on their side, the Super Eagles think they might make the final.
