Head co ach of Nigeria Eric Chelle has expressed satisfaction as his team clinched a crucial victory against Tunisia in their second group game at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles joins Egypt as the only two nations to have secured a place at the knockout stage after triumphing over Tunisia 3-2 on Saturday evening.
”You can say what you want, but the reality is that we deserved this win. We cannot maintain high pressure for a full 90 minutes. We did so for 75 minutes, which is why I substituted the two wingers.”
In the thrilling contest, the Super Eagles took control of the contest just before the break when Ademola Lookman surged down the by-line and delivered a teasing lofted cross for Victor Osimhen, who rose highest to nod a powerful header inside the right post in the 44th minute.
Nigeria doubled their advantage shortly after the restart through Wilfred Ndidi, who met a well-delivered corner kick with a thunderous header from around the penalty spot, driving the ball into the bottom right corner to put daylight between the two sides.
The West Africans appeared firmly in command when Lookman capped his fine performance with a goal of his own in the 67th minute. After receiving a sublime pass, the winger kept his composure and guided a low effort in off the left post to extend Nigeria’s lead to three.
Tunisia, however, refused to go down quietly and pulled one back seven minutes later. Hannibal Mejbri’s expertly floated free kick was met by Montassar Talbi, whose powerful header found the bottom corner to give the Carthage Eagles renewed hope.
That hope intensified late on when Ali Abdi struck in the 87th minute, firing the ball into the roof of the net beyond the reach of Stanley Nwabali to set up a tense finish.
Despite the pressure in the closing stages, Nigeria held their nerve to secure all three points and confirm their progression to the knockout phase.
Top of Group C with six points, Nigeria are guaranteed a place in the Round 16 stage ahead of their final group match against Uganda.
