Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle endured a rollercoaster of emotions during his side’s 3-2 victory over Group C rivals Tunisia on matchday two of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria enjoyed a largely dominant display against their North African counterparts and had a 3-0 lead to show for it. However, the Carthage Eagles pulled two goals back within the final 15 minutes of the game to set up a nerve-wracking finale.
Speaking after the game, Chelle admitted to having a torrid time on the touchline during those final minutes when his team appeared to be barely hanging on to their lead but also lauded their impressive display against an in-form Tunisia side.
Related Post
“Those final 15 or so minutes will give me nightmares,” Chelle said in quotes revealed by Yahoo Sports.
“I was going a little bit crazy about what was happening because the players deserved a big game.
“And it was a test against a big team like Tunisia.
“Tunisia didn’t let in one goal during the World Cup qualifiers. Three goals against this team! This is for me a great game. We kept the ball so well during 70 or so minutes.”
Chelle also chose to focus on the positives from Nigeria’s shaky finish, insisting that Tunisia’s fightback merely exposed areas where the Super Eagles need to work on and improve.
“We still have to play a game that will bring the confidence and shows our ambitions.”There’s positives in Tunisia’s comeback. It shows that there is still something for us to work on and something to improve. It will keep me and my players motivated.”
Nigeria wrap up their AFCON group campaign against Uganda in a couple of days. Having already secured a place in the knockouts, the Super Eagles will now focus on finishing top of Group C.
