Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle has explained why he brought on Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke and Chidozie Awaziem in the closing stages of Nigeria’s 3-2 victory over Tunisia on Saturday night at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Chelle made the triple substitution as Tunisia mounted late pressure in search of an equaliser. 

Speaking after the match, the Malian tactician said his decisions were guided by the flow of the game and the need to stabilise his team after 75 minutes of intense pressing.

"My choice of substitution depends on what happens on the pitch. Like I said, we did during 75 mins high pressure on the pitch," Chelle said at the post-match press conference.

"And after 75 mins, the Tunisia team arrived to find more the side fix and go to the other side and because now I think you know our system, so this is why I did some substitutions."

He added that sustaining high-intensity pressing for the entire match was unrealistic, and fresh legs were needed to protect the lead.

"And like I said, you cannot do 60 or 90 mins with a big high pressure. My team deserve this victory, we did some mistake like the first game but we continue to improve."

"I think this game was better than the first and I hope that the third game will be better than the second."

The win sealed Nigeria’s place in the knockout stage with six points from two matches in Group C. 

The Super Eagles must now avoid defeat against Uganda to keep hopes alive of finishing top of Group C and securing a favourable route into the next round.