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Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has applauded his team’s performance after Nigeria secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Tunisia in their Group C clash in Fez on Saturday night, a result that sealed their qualification for the knockout round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Nigeria were dominant for large spells of the game, racing into a three-goal lead inspired by a brilliant night from Ademola Lookman, who provided two assists and later scored with a powerful left-footed shot in the 66th minute.
Chelle, reflecting on the encounter, praised his players’ energy, discipline and pressing — especially in how they won the ball and transitioned into attack.
“I’m happy once again with the intensity we showed for 75 minutes. I’m pleased with how we recovered the ball both high up the pitch and very deep. We were able to move forward quickly, but also keep possession for long periods,” he said.
“We created a lot of chances. Up until the 75th minute, we deserved this victory.”
Naija News reports that Nigeria opened the scoring shortly before halftime when Victor Osimhen headed home from Lookman’s pinpoint delivery. The lead doubled early in the second half as captain Wilfred Ndidi nodded in another Lookman corner, before Lookman himself added the third.
Tunisia, however, staged a late fightback, scoring twice — first through Montassar Talbi in the 75th minute, and later via a VAR-awarded penalty converted by Ali Abdi, raising the tension inside the stadium. Nigeria held firm in the dying moments, surviving a late scare as Ferjani Sassi’s stoppage-time header drifted wide.
Chelle admitted Tunisia’s comeback tested his team but insisted Nigeria were the better side.
“We deserved it because we were the better team. Tunisia played with energy, but once again, I think we were superior in every area. Of course, it would be nice to finish without suffering so much,” he added.
With six points from two matches, Nigeria remain top of Group C and advance to the Round of 16. The Super Eagles will now shift their focus to their final group fixture against Uganda in Fez at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.