Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has defended his game management following Nigeria’s dramatic 3-2 win over Tunisia in their second Group C match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Nigeria looked to be cruising after taking a three-goal lead and dominating large spells of the contest, enjoying close to 70% possession and controlling the game for over an hour.
However, Tunisia scored twice in the final 15 minutes to set up a nervy finish, prompting criticism of Chelle’s substitutions and late-game approach.
Speaking after the match, Chelle insisted his decisions to introduce Simon Moses and Chidera Ejuke were not the reasons for two the late goals his side conceded.
“The first goal came before my substitution, as I remember. We applied high pressure until the 75th minute, but then they began to find space on the wings. That is why I introduced two wingers, to stop them from attacking down the sides,” Chelle told Footy-Africa.
Nigeria’s late wobble was compounded by conceding twice from set pieces, an area the coach admitted needs urgent improvement.
“We conceded two goals from set pieces: one from a free kick and one from a penalty. We definitely need to improve our defending on set pieces,” he added.
Despite the tense ending, Chelle maintained that Nigeria fully deserved the victory, praising his players for their overall display:
“We deserved this victory. We had 70% possession and did many good things, as well as some things we need to improve. Until the 75th minute, we were the better side, and I am happy with my players’ performance.”
The Malian coach also addressed concerns about Nigeria’s inability to maintain a high-intensity pressing game for the full 90 minutes:
“It is impossible to play a high-pressing game for 90 minutes. It is my dream to have a team that can do it, but at the moment it is not possible. However, pressing for 75 minutes is acceptable, and we must improve our performance in the final 15 minutes.”
‘Our tactics made the difference’ – Frank Onyeka on Tunisia win
The win puts Nigeria in a strong position in Group C ahead of their final group match, though Chelle will be keen to address the late defensive lapses as the Super Eagles look to mount a serious challenge for the continental title.
