Head coach of Tunisia Sami Trabelsi says his outfit inability to win duels in many aspect of the match cost their defeat against Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Cartage Eagles succumbed to a 3-2 defeat to Nigeria, thus postponing their qualification to the round of 16, while the Super Eagles advanced to the same round, joining Egypt as the first team to qualify.
“We did not start the match well, and we lost many duels, especially at the physical level, and then we improved a little after we started playing with four defenders.”
“The reason we lost is not because we played with five or four defenders, the main reason is that we lost many duels, and this was the big problem. Of course, losing hurts and reveals many flaws.” He said.
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.
