Eric Chelle Hails Super Eagles’ Spirit After Tunisia Triumph Ensures AFCON Knockout Spot

After the Super Eagles defeated Tunisia 3-2 in a Group C match in Fez on Saturday night to guarantee their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) knockout stage, Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle praised his team for their tenacity and intensity.

Ademola Lookman’s outstanding performance propelled Nigeria into a three-goal lead, and the team seemed to be in complete control for the majority of the game. In the 66th minute, the forward scored two goals and then found the net himself with a beautiful left-footed attempt.

In retrospect, Chelle was especially happy with his team’s intensity and discipline for the majority of the match, both in regaining control and making deliberate use of the ball.

“Once again, I’m pleased with the level of intensity we displayed for 75 minutes. We recovered the ball both deep and high up the pitch, and I’m happy about that. We were able to hold possession of the ball for extended stretches of the game while also making rapid progress,” he remarked.

“We produced numerous scoring opportunities and chances. We earned our win in the second half up until the 75th minute.

The Super Eagles were said to have seized the lead just before halftime when Lookman’s precise delivery caused Victor Osimhen to rise forcefully and head home. Captain Wilfred Ndidi nodded in from another Lookman corner early in the second half to double the lead.

Lookman’s goal shortly followed, but Tunisia’s late response added pressure to the final moments. Once the North Africans gained momentum, Chelle recognized the problem they presented.

“We were the superior squad, so we deserved it. Following that, Tunisia played with their characteristic vigor. He continued, “A set piece produced their first goal, and a moment of play produced their second.”

But once again, I believe we were the superior team in every aspect of the game, and we earned this victory. Naturally, it would be pleasant to end a game without experiencing such agony.

Montassar Talbi headed in from a free kick by Hannibal Mejbri in the 75th minute to start Tunisia’s comeback. Tension inside the stadium increased after Ali Abdi scored a penalty after a VAR review. Ferjani Sassi’s header in stoppage time, however, went just wide as Nigeria managed to hang on.

Nigeria maintains their six-point lead in Group C and their spot in the round of 16 thanks to the outcome. Chelle’s team will now focus on their last group match on Tuesday at 5 p.m. in Fez against Uganda.