In my very limited understanding of Arabic, Haram is something forbidden, not desirable, while Halal is something ideal, something cherished.
At the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire two years ago, the Super Eagles played Haram football- defensive, negative and pragmatic football that got them all the way to the final, where they eventually lost to the host nation.
That may well explain the fatalities Nigeria suffered watching as the Super Eagles scraped their way through the competition and what quickened the exit of coach Jose Peseiro.
At the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, the same team are playing Halal football – delightful, entertaining football rewarded with goals and results that everybody knows they are capable of but somehow have not been able to deliver.
Thus far, the Super Eagles have netted 14 goals and let in four goals in five matches in Morocco.
Their previous best record was 12 goals, which was achieved in 2000, when they were beaten at home by Cameroon in the final.
They have also become only the fifth country to win their first five games in a single AFCON. The others were Algeria (1990), Cameroon (2002), Egypt (2010) and Cote d’Ivoire (2012).
The superlatives around the Super Eagles now are “transformational”, “a coached team”, “dominant”, “discernable pattern” and “incredible”.
Coach Eric Chelle has been the main reason.
The 48-year-old coach, widely derided for his lack of pedigree when he took over the team a year ago, has delivered a team who have improved game after game at this AFCON and will now have to be taken a lot more seriously after the failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup relegated them from being one of the favourites at this continental tournament.
He has harnessed the unquestionable attacking talent at his disposal, stabilised the midfield to work for the team, achieved some level of organisation in defence and put up a structure that allows for squad players to fit in when called upon.
Not to mention that he has also infused a unity of purpose and a winning mentality to this highly talented group of players.
“Our Super Eagles are looking like AFCON champions from every angle! saluted former Super Eagles coach and captain Sunday Oliseh.
“Defence, ball possession and match management. What a dominant display. Just love the attitude.”
Politician and a football nut Mohammed Bello El-Rufai gushed on X: “The entire team have been a pleasure to watch.
“Truly tragic we will not witness this team in the World Cup.”
Yes, Eric Chelle and his Super Eagles will face their sternest test yet against hosts Morocco Wednesday night in Rabat.
The 69,500-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium will be rocking with the partisan fans cheering their team and going by what has been observed in some of the games involving the Atlas Lions, they will also enjoy the benefits of some refereeing calls as the home team.
In the absence of the suspended captain Wilfred Ndidi, his cover Raphael Onyedika will have to step up to the occasion.
The Club Brugge showed class in a 3-1 victory over Uganda by scoring a brace, but it is his defensive capabilities that will be put to greater test Wednesday.
Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Frank Onyeka and Stanley Nwabali will also have to be in the best behaviours as they are all a booking away from suspension.
How well the Super Eagles can cope early in this intriguing contest will define the outcome.
Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala, with the help of hindsight, has warned that this is one semifinal that will really stretch the Super Eagles.
“That semifinal no go easy sha o cus that WAFCON (2024 women’s championship won by Nigeria at the expense of hosts Morocco) still dey pain Morocco,” ‘Agba Baller’ cautioned.
“People wey carry referee wey officiate our (WAFCON) final go court.
“Dem go do everything and anything, but the world will be watching.”
The whole world has already seen what Eric Chelle is capable of.
He will now need the NFF to give him a long-term contract for the Super Eagles to soar higher and higher.
