AFCON: Nigeria deserved to beat Tunisia because we were better team – Chelle

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has revealed why the Super Eagles deserved to walk away with maximum points from their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) fixture against Tunisia on Saturday.

The Super Eagles survived a dramatic late surge from the Carthage Eagles to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory in Fez, becoming the second team to book their place in the Round of 16.

Nigeria has raced into a 3-0 lead but goals from Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi gave the Carthage Eagles renewed hope, but Nigeria showed composure to hold on and claim a vital win.

Nigeria created enough chances

“I’m happy, once again, with the intensity we showed for 75 minutes. I’m pleased with how we recovered the ball both very high up the pitch and very deep. We were able to move forward quickly, but also to keep possession for long periods of the game,” said Chelle after the game.

“We created a lot of chances and opportunities to score. In the second half, up until the 75th minute, we deserved this victory. We deserved it because we were the better team.

“After that, Tunisia played with the energy that characterises them. Their first goal came from a set piece, and the second from a moment of play.”

The Malian coach concluded: “But once again, we deserved this win, and I think we were the better team in every area of the game. Of course, it would be nice to finish a match without having to suffer so much.”

Nigeria have registered two wins, moving to them to six points and top of Group C. They face Uganda in the final match in Fez next Tuesday while Tunisia, who are on three points, will travel to Rabat to face Tanzania.

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