Chelle hails dominance, laments late drama against Tunisia

Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, expressed satisfaction with Nigeria’s overall display but admitted his team endured unnecessary tension after a late Tunisian surge in a dramatic 3–2 victory in Fez on Saturday night.

The result confirmed Nigeria’s place in the Round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025, and maintained their perfect record in Group C.

For much of the contest, the Super Eagles were in complete control. Nigeria set the tempo early, pressed aggressively, and showed tactical discipline both in recovering possession and in managing the game with the ball. Their dominance limited Tunisia’s attacking threat while creating several clear scoring opportunities.

That superiority was rewarded shortly before halftime when Ademola Lookman delivered a precise cross from the left, allowing Victor Osimhen to rise above the defence and power a header beyond the Tunisian goalkeeper. Osimhen’s aerial presence had troubled the Carthage Eagles throughout the half, with two earlier headers narrowly missing the target.

Nigeria resumed the second half with renewed authority and doubled their advantage just four minutes after the restart. Captain Wilfred Ndidi climbed highest to meet another dangerous Lookman delivery from a corner, reinforcing Nigeria’s grip on the contest.

The Super Eagles appeared to put the game beyond reach in the 66th minute when Lookman capped a superb individual performance. After a clever cut-back from Osimhen, the reigning CAF African Player of the Year fired a left-footed strike into the net to make it 3–0.

Reflecting on the match, Chelle insisted his side deserved their commanding position before the final quarter-hour. “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. We created a lot of chances and opportunities to score.

“In the second half, up until the 75th minute, we deserved this victory. 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. 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,” he said.

Tunisia’s comeback began in the 75th minute when Montassar Talbi headed home from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick. Ten minutes later, VAR awarded a penalty for a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel, which Ali Abdi converted to set up a nervy finish.

The Carthage Eagles nearly completed the comeback in stoppage time, but Ferjani Sassi’s header drifted just wide.

Nigeria held on to secure a hard-earned win, moving to six points at the top of Group C. The Super Eagles face Uganda next in Fez, while Tunisia travel to Rabat to meet Tanzania.

Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5 million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25 million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, click here to find out how it works.

Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.