Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has refused to give away tactical details ahead of a defining Group C clash against Tunisia at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
Chelle insists his Super Eagles could still change shape despite an encouraging opening victory.
Nigeria face Tunisia on matchday two of the tournament in Morocco, with both former African champions level on three points after winning their opening fixtures. Ranked just one place above Tunisia in the FIFA standings, the Super Eagles enter the contest as narrow favourites on paper, but the balance between the sides suggests a finely poised encounter.
Nigeria began their campaign with a 2-1 win over Tanzania, lining up in a 4-4-2 diamond system designed to dominate possession and control territory. While the result reinforced their credentials as one of the competition’s heavyweights, Chelle has hinted that Tunisia’s different profile may require tactical adjustments.
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Nigeria: Chelle keeps opponents guessing
Speaking at his pre-match press conference as monitored by Soccernet.ng, the Super Eagles coach was deliberately guarded when asked whether he would retain his winning formation.
“Tunisia is a good team, I can't reveal my plans yet. We will keep to our philosophy and we will check if we will need to change something in the line-up.
“I have two things in mind, to give the ball to Tunisia or continue my philosophy but I can’t tell you which I will go with because Tunisia are a great team.”
Those comments reveal Chelle’s respect for the Carthage Eagles and his willingness to sacrifice predictability for control. Tunisia arrive buoyed by a 3-1 win over Uganda, their first opening-game victory at AFCON since 2013, and are seeking back-to-back wins over Nigeria for the first time, having knocked the Super Eagles out at the last-16 stage in 2021.
Likely shape, key battles and tournament context
Despite Chelle’s secrecy, Nigeria are widely expected to shift into a 4-3-3, prioritising physical dominance through the centre and pace out wide.
Stanley Nwabali should retain his place in goal after a solid opening display. Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi are tipped to start as full-backs, providing energy and overlap, with Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey forming a powerful central defensive pairing.
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi is set to anchor play, breaking up attacks and shielding the defence. Alex Iwobi is expected to dictate tempo, while Ademola Lookman’s advanced midfield role reflects Chelle’s intent to overload central attacking areas. Out wide, Samuel Chukwueze and Akor Adams offer direct running, while Victor Osimhen remains the focal point, tasked with occupying defenders and converting chances.
Nigeria’s wider tournament narrative adds weight to the fixture. Runners-up at the last AFCON, they arrive with a sense of unfinished business and have lost just once in their last eight competitive matches. Their group-stage pedigree is strong, with six wins from their last seven AFCON group games. The victory over Tanzania also echoed history: Nigeria beat the same opponents in their opening match of the 1980 tournament before going on to lift the trophy.
Tunisia, under Sami Trabelsi, look more fluid going forward, with Elias Achouri emerging as a key threat after scoring twice against Uganda. Statistical trends point towards an open contest, with goals expected at both ends, even if early breakthroughs remain unlikely.
