Super Eagles Seek Greater Control for Tunisia

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has warned that Nigeria must sharpen their finishing and tighten their tactical discipline ahead of a high-stakes showdown with Tunisia. The coach’s blunt assessment followed a 2-1 victory over Tanzania on Tuesday, a result that secured three vital points in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opener but left the technical crew feeling uneasy about the team’s composure. While the win in Fes, Morocco, provides a solid foundation, Chelle insists that the lapses seen in the second half could prove fatal against more clinical North African opposition.

Nigeria’s campaign began with a display of dominance that was partially undermined by a lack of efficiency in front of goal. Semi Ajayi had put the three-time champions ahead in the first half with a towering header, but the Super Eagles allowed Tanzania to creep back into the contest after the interval. Although Ademola Lookman eventually restored the lead with a spectacular strike from the edge of the box, the periods of instability between those goals have become the primary focus of Chelle’s post-match analysis.

In his post-match interview, Chelle was remarkably candid about the “work to be done,” specifically highlighting the team’s inability to “kill the game” when they had the upper hand. He noted that while the first half was a testament to the squad’s creative potential, the second half exposed a vulnerability in managing leads. For a team looking to redeem itself after missing out on the 2026 World Cup, the coach believes that mental toughness is just as important as tactical shape.

The Super Eagles were guilty of several missed opportunities against the Taifa Stars, with star striker Victor Osimhen having a goal ruled out by VAR and several other chances going begging. Chelle suggested that against a team of Tunisia’s caliber, the margin for error is razor-thin. The “Carthage Eagles” currently lead Group C on goal difference following a commanding 3-1 win over Uganda, signaling that they are in peak form heading into Saturday’s clash.

Tactical discipline remains at the top of the agenda as the team prepares for the weekend. Chelle admitted that some of his own tactical choices were under review, as he looks to find a balance between Nigeria’s explosive attacking depth and defensive solidity. The coach’s honest self-appraisal has been seen as a move to keep the players grounded, ensuring they do not let the opening win breed a sense of complacency before their toughest group-stage test.

The upcoming fixture against Tunisia is more than just a battle for the top spot in the group; it is a test of Nigeria’s credentials as genuine title contenders. Tunisia’s disciplined style and technical proficiency often trouble the Super Eagles, and Chelle is aware that his players must show greater “off-the-ball movement” and better decision-making in the final third. The technical crew is expected to use the remaining days in training to drill the squad on maintaining intensity for the full ninety minutes.

As it stands, Nigeria is in a strong position, but the coaching staff is treating the victory over Tanzania as a lesson rather than a triumph. The focus in camp has shifted entirely to the North African challenge, with the goal of securing early qualification for the knockout rounds. Chelle’s message is clear: the Super Eagles have the talent to win the tournament, but only if they learn to close the door on their opponents when they have the chance.

The fans back home and in the Moroccan stands are expecting a more polished performance on Saturday. With the likes of Lookman and Ajayi showing they can find the net, the burden now shifts to the collective unit to provide the stability Chelle is demanding. As the tournament gathers momentum, the showdown in Fes will determine whether the Super Eagles have truly found the consistency required to hunt for their fourth continental crown.