AFCON 2025: ‘I made a lot of choices’ - Chelle admits tactical errors

Nigeria's head coach Eric Chelle has openly acknowledged making tactical mistakes during his side’s 2-1 victory over Tanzania on Tuesday.

The Super Eagles began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with an important win.

The three fine African champions took an early lead through Semi Ajayi, who headed home to give Nigeria control of the match inside the opening stages.

Tanzania, however, responded strongly and was rewarded when Charles M’Mombwa pulled level.

Nigeria’s response was swift with just two minutes after conceding, Ademola Lookman produced a clinical finish to restore the Super Eagles’ advantage and ultimately secure all three points.

Despite the positive result, Chelle was self-critical in his post-match assessment, stressing that there is room for improvement as the campaign progresses.

He said, I made a lot of choices; some were good, some were not good.

“What matters is that the team reacted well after conceding. We showed character, but tactically I know I can do better.”

The coach praised his players for their resilience, particularly after Tanzania’s equaliser.

“The reaction was important. When you concede like that, the game can change, but the players stayed focused and showed quality,” he said.

The Super Eagles are chasing their fourth AFCON title in Morocco.