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Coach of the Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, Eric Chelle, has provided his reason for introducing the likes of Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke and Chidozie Awaziem in the last minutes of the game against Tunisia on Saturday.
The Super Eagles came out of the game 3-2 better than Tunisia in the second group game of the tournament.
The Malian coach introduced Awaziem, Simon and Ejuke at a time many would have wanted to see defenders coming on to protect the Super Eagles 3-1 lead.
Chelle told journalists after the game that his decision was tactics and came as a result of the game flow.
He said, “My choice of substitution depends on what happens on the pitch. Like I said, we did during 75 mins high pressure on the pitch.
He said there was no way the players who started the game could have maintained the pressure for 90 minutes adding “You cannot do 60 or 90 mins with a big high pressure.”
Nigeria became the second team to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament, joining Egypt who earlier made it to the next stage by beating South Africa 1-0.
AFCON: Why I brought on Moses Simon, Ejuke late against Tunisia – Chelle
