Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has commended his players for their character and intensity after the Super Eagles edged past Tunisia 3-2 in a Group C clash in Fez on Saturday night to seal qualification for the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Nigeria appeared firmly in control for much of the match after racing into a three-goal lead, driven by an inspired display from Ademola Lookman. The forward laid on two goals and later found the net himself with a sweetly struck left-footed effort in the 66th minute.
Chelle, reflecting on the performance, was particularly pleased with the energy and discipline his side showed for most of the encounter, both in winning back possession and in using the ball with purpose.
“I’m happy, once again, with the intensity we showed for 75 minutes. I’m pleased with how we recovered the ball both very high up the pitch and very deep. We were able to move forward quickly, but also to keep possession for long periods of the game,” he said.
“We created a lot of chances and opportunities to score. In the second half, up until the 75th minute, we deserved this victory.”
Naija News reports that the Super Eagles had taken the lead shortly before the break when Victor Osimhen rose powerfully to head home from Lookman’s accurate delivery. The advantage was doubled early in the second half as captain Wilfred Ndidi nodded in from another Lookman corner.
Although Lookman’s goal soon followed, Tunisia responded late on, injecting urgency into the closing stages. Chelle acknowledged the challenge posed by the North Africans once they found momentum.
“We deserved it because we were the better team. After that, Tunisia played with the energy that characterises them. Their first goal came from a set piece, and the second from a moment of play,” he added.
“But once again, we deserved this win, and I think we were the better team in every area of the game. Of course, it would be nice to finish a match without having to suffer so much.”
Tunisia’s revival began in the 75th minute when Montassar Talbi headed in from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick. A VAR review later awarded a penalty, which Ali Abdi converted to raise the tension inside the stadium. Nigeria, however, held on as Ferjani Sassi’s stoppage-time header drifted narrowly wide.
The result keeps Nigeria top of Group C with six points and confirms their place in the round of 16. Chelle’s side will now turn their attention to their final group fixture against Uganda in Fez at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.
