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Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has praised his team’s intensity and control after Nigeria edged Tunisia 3-2 to reach the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 Round of 16.
Nigeria raced into a 3-0 lead and dominated for long spells, but were forced to dig deep as Tunisia mounted a late comeback in a tense Fez encounter.
According to Punch News, Chelle said the late pressure from Tunisia would serve as a valuable lesson for his players going forward in the competition.
“These are the situations that help a team grow. We must learn how to manage games better until the final whistle,” Chelle said.
The coach said that Nigeria’s pressing game was central to their dominance for large periods of the match.
“Our identity is based on intensity, aggression without the ball and speed when we regain possession. For most of the game, the players executed that very well,” he said.
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Chelle also praised the players’ mental strength after conceding twice in quick succession.
“It is never easy to respond when momentum shifts, but the players stayed united and disciplined. That mentality is very important in tournament football,” he said.
Looking ahead, Chelle emphasised the importance of balancing attacking ambition with defensive discipline, noting that while the team has quality going forward, attention to small details from the first minute to the last is crucial.
Ademola Lookman also stated that the Super Eagles’ composure under pressure reflected the squad’s growing maturity.
He noted that the team showed character during difficult moments, which he described as defining for tournaments like AFCON.
Lookman noted that the players’ understanding of attack was improving with each match, with stronger connections on the pitch making their play more fluid and dangerous.
He also credited the coach for providing clarity and confidence, explaining that clear instructions from the coach made it easier for players to express themselves.
Chelle’s side maintained composure under pressure, resisting Tunisia’s late efforts to overturn Nigeria’s early dominance.
Lookman starred with a Man of the Match performance, scoring once and providing two assists, signalling his growing influence in attack for the Super Eagles.
Tunisia fought back with a header from Montassar Talbi and a VAR-awarded penalty by Ali Abdi, creating a tense finish that Nigeria survived.
The victory put Nigeria on six points at the top of Group C, setting up a clash with Uganda next, while Tunisia face Tanzania in Rabat.
