By VICTOR OKOYE

Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, says Nigeria must balance identity and adaptability when they face Tunisia in a decisive Group C encounter at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

Chelle described Tunisia as a disciplined and unpredictable side, stressing that tactical flexibility and intensity would be key to securing qualification for the knockout stage.

“Tunisia are a great and very tricky team. We must decide whether to stay true to our philosophy or adapt slightly to counter their strengths,” Chelle said.

The coach said Nigeria could either press aggressively or allow Tunisia possession, but insisted commitment, direct play and winning second balls would be non-negotiable.

“We must fight for every ball, stay compact and be decisive when we have possession. At this level, details and mentality make the difference,” he added.

Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, said the players are mentally strong and motivated, following their 2–1 opening victory over Tanzania.

“The spirit in camp is very high. Winning our first game gave us confidence, but we also reviewed our mistakes and worked hard to improve,” Ndidi said.

Ndidi said the painful 2021 AFCON defeat to Tunisia still lingers, but that the team had chosen to channel it positively rather than dwell on the past.

“That loss hurt a lot because we were flying then. But this is a new team, a new challenge and a fresh opportunity to write our own story,” he said.

The Leicester City midfielder said the players are united in purpose and fully prepared for the physical and tactical demands of the match.

“We know what is at stake. We are physically ready, mentally strong and very confident about what we want to achieve as a team,” Ndidi added.

Nigeria and Tunisia, both winners in their opening matches, will clash in their second Group C fixture at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, on Saturday, with kick-off 9 p.m.

The Super Eagles beat Tanzania 2–1, while Tunisia opened their campaign with a 3–1 victory over Uganda, setting up a high-stakes North African-West African showdown.

Historically, Nigeria holds a slight edge over Tunisia at the AFCON finals, but their most recent meeting in 2021 ended in a narrow Tunisian victory.

Both Chelle and Ndidi agree that history counts for little, insisting that focus, discipline and execution on the night will determine the outcome. (NAN)

• PHOTO: Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle, and Captain Wilfred Ndidi addressing journalists during a pre-match press conference in Fés, Morocco, on Friday

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