After sharp and confident starts to their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations journey, Nigeria Super Eagles and Tunisia Carthage Eagles go lock horns for serious Group C control when dem clash for Fez Stadium on Saturday evening.
Nigeria currently dey second for the group after dem grind out 2-1 win against Tanzania, while Tunisia sit pretty for top spot following their convincing 3-1 victory over Uganda.
Match Preview
Nigeria opening match na one wey show dominance without full punishment. Eric Chelle side control territory and chances, but the scoreline no really reflect how much dem boss the game.
The Super Eagles record 21 shots in total, eight on target, but dem still manage miss four very clear chances wey suppose kill the game early.
The breakthrough finally come for the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi rise highest to head Nigeria into the lead. Tanzania equalise shortly after through Charles M’Mombwa, but Ademola Lookman restore Nigeria advantage just after half-time with clean left-foot finish.
That win help Nigeria regain balance after rough recent period. Before the tournament, dem crash out of World Cup qualification playoffs after penalty loss to DR Congo, then still go lose friendly to Egypt.
On the bigger picture, Nigeria don win six of their last nine matches across all competitions. Some fans wey dey superstition mode even dey read meaning into the Tanzania win, remembering say Nigeria beat Tanzania for their opening match of the 1980 AFCON before going on to win the whole tournament.
Still dey chase their first AFCON title since 2013, the three-time champions wan go one step better than last edition and no hide their ambition to be counted among favourites. A big statement win against Tunisia go send strong message to the rest of Africa.
Nigeria group-stage record for AFCON also dey favour dem. The Super Eagles don win six of their last seven group matches for the competition, showing say dem usually start tournaments strongly.
For Tunisia side, early AFCON matches no always bring joy in recent years, so dem go happy say dem finally end their four-game group-stage winless run with victory against Uganda.
The Carthage Eagles waste no time for that match, taking the lead inside the first 10 minutes through Ellyes Skhiri. Elias Achouri then take centre stage, scoring twice across both halves to put the game beyond reach, while Denis Omedi late goal remain consolation for Uganda.
That result mean Tunisia don already equal the total points dem manage for the 2021 AFCON group stage, and even surpass their disastrous 2023 outing where dem finish bottom of their group.
Confidence dey high for the North Africans, especially as dem don lose only one of their last eight meetings with Nigeria. The most recent clash between both nations end in 1-0 quarter-final win for Tunisia in 2021.
With Tunisia currently on three-game winning run, dem go enter this match believing say dem fit again take maximum points from Nigeria.
Team News
Nigeria come out of their opener without any new injury worries, and Chelle no get reason to change much. Expect the Super Eagles to line up again in their familiar 4-4-2 diamond shape.
Ademola Lookman, wey be joint top scorer for Nigeria in the last AFCON, go look to continue his strong start, while Victor Osimhen go want make amends after missing some big chances against Tanzania.
Alex Iwobi shine for the opener with two assists and remain the main creative engine from midfield. Captain Wilfred Ndidi go again anchor the middle, providing balance and protection for the backline.
Tunisia also report no injury issues after their first match, giving coach Sami Trabelsi no reason to tweak his setup. Dem likely go stick with their 4-3-3 formation.
Hazem Mastouri go again lead the line, while Achouri, already among the tournament top scorers, go continue to be major threat from the wings as he chase Golden Boot ambition.
Possible Starting Lineups
Nigeria possible XI:
Nwabali; Sanusi, Bassey, Ajayi, Osayi-Samuel; Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
Tunisia possible XI:
Dahmen; Valery, Bronn, Talbi, Abdi; Sassi, Skhiri, Mejbri; Achouri, Mastouri, Saad
Prediction
We say: Nigeria 1-1 Tunisia
This match bring together two of the strongest teams for Group C, and the quality on both sides suggest say this one no go easy for anybody.
Recent history also point towards draw, with six of the last eight meetings between Nigeria and Tunisia ending level after regulation time. Expect tight battle, tactical discipline, and shared points for Fez.
Note: This match preview page dey live and go dey updated regularly as the tournament dey progress, including confirmed lineups, match incidents, and post-match reactions. Make sure say you check back for the latest gists.
