AFCON 2025: ‘You cannot maintain high pressure for 60 or 90 minutes’ - Chelle explains reason for substitution

The Super Eagles claimed a narrow 3-2 win against Tunisia in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Saturday.

With Tunisia pressing hard for an equaliser in the final minutes, Chelle introduced Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, and Chidozie Awaziem in a triple change designed to secure the victory.

However, goals from Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi and Victor Osimhen were enough to give the Super Eagles the win.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, the Malian coach explained that the changes were a direct response to the game's dynamics and the need to bring stability to the team.

"My choice of substitution depends on what happens on the pitch," Chelle stated. "As I said, we applied high pressure for 75 minutes. 

“After that, the Tunisian team started to find space on the flanks and switch play. I think you know our system by now, so that is why I made some substitutions."

Chelle emphasised that maintaining such a high-energy pressing game for the full 90 minutes was not feasible and that introducing fresh players was crucial to protecting their lead.

"You cannot maintain high pressure for 60 or 90 minutes," he added. "My team deserved this victory. We made some mistakes, like in the first game, but we continue to improve. I think this game was better than the first, and I hope the third will be better than the second."

The victory secures Nigeria's spot in the knockout stage, having earned a perfect six points from their first two matches in Group C.

The Super Eagles will now look to avoid defeat against Uganda in their final group match to ensure they finish as group winners and potentially secure a more favourable draw in the next round.