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Eric Chelle has conceded that Nigeria rode their luck during a crucial moment of their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final triumph over Algeria, a decision he believes could easily have shifted the contest, footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles swept to a convincing 2-0 victory in Morocco, with Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams finding the net in what became one of their strongest performances of the 2025 tournament.
Yet behind the comfortable scoreline lay a flashpoint that continues to stir debate weeks later.
Nwabali can definitely save a sinking SHIP 😌 pic.twitter.com/1WxSZvi8Pa
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) February 10, 2026
With the match still locked at 0-0, Algeria thought they had earned a penalty when a low cross struck defender Semi Ajayi inside the box. The referee paused play as VAR reviewed the incident, before ruling that the ball had deflected off Ajayi’s thigh before touching his arm, a judgement that spared Nigeria from conceding a spot-kick.
Now reflecting on the incident, Chelle admits the decision could easily have gone against his side.
“They could have called the handball. We were lucky on that one,” he admits, lucidly recalling a moment that could have changed the course of the match.
The Malian-born coach also stressed how early setbacks can completely reshape knockout ties.
“At this stage, if Algeria scores and takes a 1-0 lead, the game is no longer the same. They take control of the ball and gain momentum,” he noted.
📝 Art of Defending
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) February 8, 2026
👨🏽🏫 Calvin Bassey pic.twitter.com/BhXNlaWHOq
Instead, Nigeria seized the initiative, growing in confidence as the match progressed before sealing a place in the semi-finals with two well-taken goals.
The Super Eagles’ impressive run eventually ended at the hands of tournament hosts Morocco, who prevailed in a tense penalty shootout after a goalless draw.
Nigeria, however, responded positively by overcoming Egypt on penalties in the third-place play-off to claim the bronze medal, a fitting reward for a disciplined and resilient AFCON campaign.
