After the Super Eagles defeated Tunisia 3-2 in a Group C match in Fez on Saturday night to secure qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) knockout stage, Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle praised his players for their tenacity and intensity.
Ademola Lookman’s outstanding performance propelled Nigeria into a three-goal lead, and the team seemed to be in control for the majority of the game. After laying on two goals, the attacker scored in the 66th minute with a beautiful left-footed effort.
In retrospect, Chelle was very happy with his team’s intensity and discipline over the majority of the match, both in regaining possession and making intentional use of the ball.
“Once again, I’m pleased with the level of intensity we displayed throughout seventy-five minutes. I’m happy with how we were able to retrieve the ball both deep and high up the field. We were able to hold possession of the ball for extended stretches of the game while also advancing swiftly,” he remarked.
“We produced numerous opportunities and chances to score. We earned this victory in the second half up until the 75th minute.
According to reports, the Super Eagles had taken the lead just before halftime when Lookman’s precise pass caused Victor Osimhen to rise forcefully and head home. Early in the second half, captain Wilfred Ndidi nodded in from another Lookman corner to double the lead.
Lookman’s goal came shortly after, but Tunisia’s late response added pressure to the final moments. Once the North Africans gained momentum, Chelle saw the threat they posed.
We were the superior squad, so we deserved it. Following that, Tunisia used their signature vigor to play. He continued, “A set piece gave them their first goal, and a play moment gave them their second.”
But once more, I believe we were the superior team in every aspect of the game, and we earned this victory. Naturally, it would be pleasant to end a match without experiencing such agony.
Montassar Talbi scored from a free kick by Hannibal Mejbri in the 75th minute to start Tunisia’s comeback. Tension inside the stadium increased when Ali Abdi converted a penalty that was later given by a VAR review. Ferjani Sassi’s header in stoppage time went just wide, but Nigeria managed to hang on.
Nigeria maintains their six-point lead in Group C with a result, securing their spot in the round of 16. Chelle’s team will now focus on their last group match on Tuesday at 5 p.m. in Fez against Uganda.
