Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured their place in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 knockout rounds with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Tunisia in Fès. Goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman propelled the West African giants to a second consecutive win, confirming their progression with a match to spare. While the result sparked celebrations, the thrilling encounter also exposed crucial tactical challenges for head coach Eric Chelle, whose side demonstrated potent attacking flair but displayed defensive vulnerabilities in the latter stages.
The win against Tunisia, a team renowned for its defensive solidity, marked a significant statement of intent from Nigeria’s attacking unit. Tunisia arrived in Morocco with an impressive record, having conceded no goals in their previous ten World Cup qualifying matches. Breaching their defence three times underscored the Super Eagles’ offensive capabilities, with Lookman proving unplayable, Osimhen relentless in his pursuit of goals, and Ndidi adding a set-piece threat. This offensive prowess suggests Nigeria possesses the firepower to challenge any opponent in the tournament.
Coach Chelle’s strategic blueprint for Nigeria involves an aggressive high press, designed to suffocate opposition build-up and dominate central midfield areas. For extended periods against Tunisia, this approach proved highly effective, keeping the play largely in the opposition half and disrupting their rhythm. However, the demanding nature of this high-octane system became evident as the match progressed, particularly after the 70th minute. Fatigue began to set in, leading to a noticeable drop in pressing intensity and increased distances between players, which Tunisia exploited.
As Nigeria’s energy waned, their defensive line found itself increasingly exposed to waves of Tunisian attacks. The lack of sustained pressure on the ball allowed Tunisia to create space and run at the Super Eagles’ defence with greater ease, highlighting a recurring issue. Conceding three goals in two matches raises questions about the team’s defensive resilience, a critical attribute for any side aspiring to win a major international tournament. Chelle must address how to maintain defensive solidity throughout ninety minutes, especially against sharper opponents in the knockout stages.
Adding to the defensive concerns, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali experienced a challenging night between the posts. His positioning and decision-making for Tunisia’s first goal, where Montassar Talbi’s header slipped under his arms, drew criticism. Furthermore, Nwabali appeared uncertain when dealing with crosses and occasionally put his defence under pressure with indecisive clearances. At the elite level of the Africa Cup of Nations, goalkeeping errors can prove costly, and Nwabali will need to quickly enhance his command of the area and composure under pressure to bolster Nigeria’s title aspirations.
Despite securing early qualification for the knockout phase, Nigeria’s campaign is not yet complete. The Super Eagles currently sit atop Group C with six points, ahead of Tunisia on three, with Tanzania and Uganda trailing on one point each. Avoiding defeat in their final group stage match against Uganda on December 30 is paramount, as it would guarantee top spot. Securing first place often leads to a more favourable draw in the subsequent rounds, potentially easing their path deeper into the competition and maintaining crucial momentum.
The match also featured a moment of controversy surrounding Tunisia’s second goal, awarded via a penalty after VAR intervention. As players grappled for possession in the box, the ball appeared to brush both a Nigerian and a Tunisian player. Despite the ambiguous contact, a penalty was given against Bright Osayi-Samuel, which Ali Abdi confidently converted. The incident underscored the fine margins and subjective interpretations that often accompany VAR decisions, capable of shifting the dynamics of a game in an instant.
While Nigeria’s attacking prowess is undeniable and offers genuine excitement for fans, the journey to AFCON glory demands a stronger defensive foundation. Coach Chelle faces the crucial task of finding a sustainable balance between his team’s aggressive, high-energy style and the need for defensive discipline and game management, particularly in the latter stages of matches. The Super Eagles possess immense potential, but converting that into a championship title will hinge on their ability to combine attacking flair with unwavering defensive authority.
