Nigeria secured an exciting 3-2 win over Tunisia of their AFCON 2025 conflict, reserving a spot within the Spherical of 16. Right here’s my evaluation of what we noticed from the sport:
1. Tactical Setup
1.1 Coach Eric Chelle lined up the workforce in a 4-3-2-1 construction, aiming to soak up strain and management midfield areas. Frank Onyeka operated within the “scissors” position, urgent aggressively and breaking apart play, whereas Wilfred Ndidi anchored the midfield.
1.2 Tunisia had their very own plan, sitting deep and permitting Nigeria to dominate possession. Overlapping runs from Vivid Osayi-Samuel and Bruno pressured Tunisia’s wingers to spend a lot of the sport defending.
2. First Half Observations
2.1 Nigeria’s form typically regarded like a diamond 4-3-3, or extra precisely 4-3-2-1, with Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams performing as hybrid attackers, combining winger and playmaker roles.
2.2 Not like the sport towards Tanzania, Nigeria tried to take advantage of width, however with no pure wingers on the pitch, the diamond system restricted the influence of Lookman and Adams out vast.
2.3 The workforce pressed as a unit, led by Frank Onyeka. This allowed Alex Iwobi to function deeper as a roaming quantity eight, serving to keep steadiness.
2.4 Victor Osimhen scored, however Nigeria created possibilities that urged extra objectives may have been added. His ending stays some extent of debate.
2.5 Wilfred Ndidi’s management as captain was evident, exhibiting drive, focus, and dedication to the badge.
3. Second Half Observations
3.1 Nigeria’s aerial menace stays a significant attacking energy, with Chelle clearly constructing the workforce round this benefit.
3.2 Tunisia’s Stanley Nwabali appeared to lose confidence after conceding following a referee stoppage.
3.3 Nigeria’s defence turned much less aggressive after going 3-0 up, permitting Tunisia to attain twice. This highlights the necessity for a transparent defensive chief on the pitch.
4. Key Takeaways
4.1 Nigeria executed a wise tactical plan and pinned a powerful Tunisian aspect.
4.2 Urgent as a unit and utilizing the diamond midfield labored properly, however pure wingers are wanted to totally exploit width.
4.3 Management on the pitch, particularly from Ndidi, was essential.
4.4 The workforce should stay centered defensively, even with a lead.
Nigeria strikes into the following spherical with motive to be proud. Tunisia is a really sturdy workforce, however the Tremendous Eagles managed the sport and confirmed why they’re one of many favourites in AFCON 2025.
