AFCON 2025: Eric Chelle defends tactical substitutions in Super Eagles’ win
Quick Read
With the win, Nigeria became the second team to qualify for the knockout stage of the tournament, joining Egypt, who earlier defeated South Africa 1–0.
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has explained why he brought on Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke and Chidozie Awaziem late in Nigeria’s 3–2 victory over Tunisia at the 1xBet AFCON 2025.
Nigeria defeated Tunisia in their second Group C match on Saturday to qualify for the knockout stage.
Many fans expected Chelle to introduce more defenders after the Super Eagles took a 3–1 lead. Instead, the Malian coach brought on attacking players like Simon and Ejuke, alongside defender Awaziem.
Speaking to journalists after the match, Chelle said his substitutions were based on tactics and how the game was going.
According to him, Nigeria played with high intensity and pressure for most of the game, which made it difficult for the starting players to maintain that level for the full 90 minutes.
“You cannot play with such high pressure for 60 or 90 minutes,” Chelle explained, adding that fresh legs were needed to maintain balance on the pitch.
With the win, Nigeria became the second team to qualify for the knockout stage of the tournament, joining Egypt, which earlier defeated South Africa 1–0.
NB: 1XBET is the Official Sponsor of AFCON 2025.
Comments