Chelle reshuffles Eagles’ midfield, defence for Tunisia showdown

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has altered Nigeria’s lineup for their second Group match against Tunisia at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, bringing in Frank Onyeka and Bruno Onyemaechi in place of Samuel Chukwueze and Zaidu Sanusi.

The Franco-Malian tactician opted for a more compact setup as Nigeria look to build on their 2-1 win over Tanzania in their opening fixture and move closer to qualification for the knockout stage.

Chukwueze, who featured on the wing in the opener, makes way for Onyeka, signalling a shift towards greater solidity in midfield. The Brentford midfielder will join captain Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi in a three-man engine room expected to provide both defensive cover and ball progression.

At the back, Chelle has also turned to Onyemaechi at left-back, replacing Sanusi after an unconvincing outing in the first match. Onyemaechi will line up alongside central defenders Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, with Bright Osayi-Samuel retaining his place on the right. Stanley Nwabali continues in goal.

In attack, Chelle has kept faith with the pairing of Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams, while Ademola Lookman is set to operate behind them, drifting across the frontline to exploit spaces in the Tunisian defence.

Saturday’s encounter, scheduled for 9 pm Nigerian time, is a key test for the Super Eagles, who will conclude their group campaign against Uganda on December 30.

Victory over Tunisia would secure Nigeria’s passage into the round of 16, but the North Africans remain a familiar threat, having knocked the Super Eagles out of the 2021 AFCON.

Starting XI: Stanley Nwabali; Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi (C), Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen.

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