28/12/2025
Credit must be given to Eric Chelle and his entire coaching crew for securing all three points and asserting control of the game from kickoff up until around the 75th minute, before Tunisia gradually found their way back into the contest.
For the first time in a long while, the Super Eagles truly dominated an opponent for a sustained period.
After the performance against Benin Republic, this match stands out as another occasion where Nigeria played with authority, structure, and confidence, right up until questionable decisions disrupted the rhythm.
Eric Chelle deserves praise for his tactical setup, team organization, and the starting XI he selected against Tunisia.
The shape, pressing, and overall balance of the team were impressive. However, there are still key areas he must improve on as a coach.
One recurring issue is his in-game management, particularly substitutions. Too often, these changes fail to strengthen the team and instead expose it.
While Frank Onyeka’s withdrawal was understandable due to injury concerns, replacing a dominant central midfielder with a winger left a glaring hole.
Onyeka’s absence created a loss of balance in midfield, opening up spaces that Tunisia exploited, allowing them to pile pressure on the Super Eagles late in the game.
Chelle must be more decisive and pragmatic with substitutions. The best-performing players on the pitch should not be removed unless there are clear signs of fatigue or injury. Game control must always take priority.
Similarly, the repeated decision to substitute Akor Adams, both against Tanzania and Tunisia, had a noticeable impact on Nigeria’s attacking intensity.
His work rate, pressing, link-up play, and physical presence give the attack more depth and keep opposing defences under constant pressure. removing him slowed the tempo and reduced Nigeria’s threat going forward.
Another area Chelle must address is game management, knowing when and how to completely k1ll off a match. this was evident against Tunisia and previously exposed against Zimbabwe, where the team struggled to remain solid until full-time.
There is no doubt Eric Chelle is a capable coach, and this is not a criticism of his overall ability. rather, it is an honest assessment. the Tunisia game offered valuable lessons, and there is much to learn from it.
You cannot dominate a match, build a commanding lead, and then allow your opponent back into the game late on, especially to the point where they score twice and look capable of forcing a draw, or even a win, had there been more time.
Eric Chelle must work on tightening these loopholes. he knows the players well and understands their strengths, so substitutions must be made to add value, stability, and control not uncertainty.
Hopefully, he takes these lessons on board. With qualification already secured, there’s an opportunity to rotate the squad, rest players on yellow cards, give minutes to those yet to feature, and possibly introduce a new goalkeeper.
Some players clearly need rest to be fully fit and sharp for the Round of 16, where maximum performance will be required.
If these adjustments are made, the Super Eagles will be better prepared and more ruthless when it matters most.
