Nigeria and Tunisia will reignite a long-standing
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) rivalry when they face off in a decisive Group C
encounter at the 2025 tournament in Morocco on Saturday.
The fixture carries added significance for the Super
Eagles, who will be seeking revenge for their painful 1–0 defeat to Tunisia at
the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon. Nigeria had entered that last-16 clash in dominant
form after winning all their group matches, but were stunned by a depleted
Tunisian side that had qualified for the knockouts as one of the best
third-placed teams.
Saturday’s showdown in Fez offers Nigeria a chance to
set the record straight — and possibly seal qualification for the knockout
stage.
Group C Stakes
Both teams began their 2025 AFCON campaigns with
victories. Nigeria edged Tanzania 2–1 thanks to goals from Semi Ajayi and
Ademola Lookman, while Tunisia produced a more convincing performance,
defeating Uganda 3–1 to sit top of the group on goal difference.
With qualification on the line, the clash is shaping
up to be a top-of-the-table decider.
AFCON Head-to-Head
Historically, Nigeria hold a slight edge over the
Carthage Eagles at the AFCON, recording three wins to Tunisia’s one, with two
encounters decided by penalties. Tunisia’s lone victory came through Youssef
Msakni’s strike in their 2021 meeting.
Overall, both nations have met 21 times in all
competitions, with Nigeria claiming six wins, Tunisia five, and ten matches
ending in draws — a testament to how closely matched the sides have been over
the years.
What the Coaches Are Saying
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle acknowledged the
challenge posed by the North Africans, describing Tunisia as a disciplined side
with a strong football identity.
“Tunisia are a big team with a solid World Cup
qualifying campaign and a very good start to this tournament,” Chelle said.
“There is no pressure on us. This competition is an opportunity to correct past
mistakes and continue building our identity.”
Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi, meanwhile, admitted
Nigeria’s quality but insisted his team is ready to exploit any weaknesses.
“There is no national team without weak points. We
have studied Nigeria’s,” Trabelsi said.
“To go far in this tournament, you must beat big teams.”
Team News
Nigeria head into the match with no injury concerns
and are expected to retain the same starting XI that faced Tanzania. However,
fans will be eager to see more impact from star striker Victor Osimhen,
alongside the attacking flair of Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman, midfield
creativity from Alex Iwobi, and defensive solidity from Calvin Bassey.
For Tunisia, Hazem Mastouri had been a doubt but has
since been declared fit and available for selection.
Match Details
What’s at Stake
A win for either side would all but guarantee a place
in the knockout rounds, raising the intensity of what promises to be a fiercely
contested encounter. Ninety minutes in Fez will decide whether Nigeria finally
gain revenge — or Tunisia extend their recent dominance in this storied
rivalry.
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