Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has praised his team’s intensity and control, after Nigeria edged Tunisia 3-2 to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, 2025 Round of 16 even as his Tunisia counterpart, Sami Trabelsi expressed disappointment after the Carthage Eagles’ loss to Nigeria on Saturday.
Nigeria raced into a 3-0 lead and dominated for long spells but were forced to dig deep as Tunisia mounted a late comeback in a tense Fez encounter.
Chelle’s side showed composure under pressure, holding firm after goals from Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi threatened to overturn Nigeria’s early dominance.
Lookman delivered a Man-of-the-Match display, providing two assists and scoring once, underlining his growing influence closer to goal for the Super Eagles.
Tunisia rallied late through Talbi’s header and Abdi’s VAR-awarded penalty, setting up a nervy finish Nigeria survived.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the win lifted Nigeria to six points and top of Group C, with Uganda next, while Tunisia face Tanzania in Rabat.
Chelle said the late pressure from Tunisia would serve as a valuable lesson for his players going forward in the competition.
“These are the situations that help a team grow. We must learn how to manage games better until the final whistle,” Chelle said.
The coach said that Nigeria’s pressing game was central to their dominance for large periods of the match.
“Our identity is based on intensity, aggression without the ball and speed when we regain possession. For most of the game, the players executed that very well,” he said.
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Chelle also praised the players’ mental strength after conceding twice in quick succession.
“It is never easy to respond when momentum shifts, but the players stayed united and disciplined. That mentality is very important in tournament football,” he said.
Looking ahead, Chelle stressed the need for balance between attacking ambition and defensive concentration.
“We have quality going forward, but at this level, small details matter. We must remain focused from the first minute to the last,” he added.
Lookman said the Super Eagles’ ability to stay calm under pressure reflected the growing maturity within the squad.
“We showed character when the game became difficult. These are the moments that define teams in tournaments like this,” Lookman said.
The winger added that the team’s understanding in attack was improving with every match at the championship.
“We are building strong connections on the pitch. Everyone understands their role, and that makes our play more fluid and dangerous,” he said.
Lookman also credited the technical crew for giving players clarity and confidence in their roles.
Trabelsi expressed disappointment and optimism after the Carthage Eagles’ 3-2 loss to Nigeria in their AFCON 2025 Group C clash.
Trabelsi said Tunisia’s strong finish showed their capacity to challenge top teams when they controlled possession and imposed their playing style.
Nigeria stormed into a 3-0 lead and dictated early exchanges before Tunisia’s spirited response transformed the contest into a tense finale.
Goals from Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi reignited Tunisian belief, forcing Nigeria to rely on composure to preserve their advantage.
Man-of-the-Match Ademola Lookman inspired Nigeria with two assists and a goal, highlighting the Super Eagles’ attacking efficiency.
In spite the defeat, Tunisia dominated the closing stages, creating chances that Trabelsi said could have altered the outcome.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Nigeria now top Group C with six points, while Tunisia face a decisive tie against Tanzania in Rabat.
“There is bitterness because we believed in a comeback. In the last 30 minutes, we played at a very high level and created many chances,” Trabelsi said.
He said the defeat underlined areas for improvement rather than a lack of belief in his team’s quality.
“When we impose our style and keep the ball, we can compete with any opponent. That is the positive we take from this match.”
The coach admitted that losing key duels early allowed Nigeria to build their advantage.
“We did not start well. We lost too many duels, especially from crosses, and that cost us. Once we began winning those duels, we put them under pressure,” he said.
Trabelsi added that tactical substitutions were aimed at increasing attacking penetration without disrupting team balance.
“The players on the pitch were performing. The next match is decisive, and we must take this intensity into it,” he said. NAN
