Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle lauded his Super Eagles for a commanding display in their 3-2 triumph over Tunisia, securing qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage with a game remaining in Group C.
The West Africans dominated much of the contest at the Complexe Sportif de Fes on Saturday, building a three-goal lead before weathering a late comeback from the North African side in the tournament hosted by Morocco.
“In the game, we were in control for 75 minutes. We scored three goals and maybe a loss of concentration after then. Tunisia tried to increase the pressure on us but we deserved this victory,” Chelle said in post-match comments.
“And at the end of the half time, we had 70 per cent of possession so I am very happy and proud of my players,” he added.
Chelle expressed overall satisfaction despite imperfections: “I am happy because we won. We improve with every game. The first game was good, we won and the second game, we did some good things as well as some bad things but we have to continue to improve.”
On a disputed late penalty awarded to Tunisia for a handball: “I didn’t see the replay of the incident. But I don’t know the rules because they told us if the pay touches the body before the hand, there is no penalty,” the coach noted.
Napoli forward Victor Osimhen opened the scoring with a header just before the interval from Ademola Lookman’s cross, followed by Wilfred Ndidi’s headed goal early in the second half off Lookman’s corner, and Lookman’s finish in the 67th minute assisted by Osimhen.
Tunisia responded through Montassar Talbi’s header in the 74th minute from Hannibal Mejbri’s free-kick, and Ali Abdi’s penalty in the 87th after a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Atalanta winger Lookman reflected on the result: “It was a victory today. Our performance was good. We can be proud of ourselves tonight.”
Addressing the tense finale, he said: “We tried to stay calm in the last seven minutes and we got the win.”
Nigeria, who began their campaign with a 2-1 win over Tanzania, now top Group C and face Uganda in their final group fixture on Tuesday, while Tunisia must defeat Tanzania to keep their hopes alive.
