AFCON 2025 Preview: Nigeria Vs Tunisia
One of Africa’s most storied football rivalries takes centre stage again on Saturday as Nigeria and Tunisia clash in a top-of-the-table Group C encounter at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations, inside the 35,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès.
More Details
Both teams come into the contest on three points from their opening matches, setting the stage for a fiery duel between two continental heavyweights. With qualification for the Round of 16 within reach, coaches Eric Chelle of Nigeria and Sami Trabelsi of Tunisia—both former internationals—will be eager to secure an early passage into the knockout phase.
Nigeria and Tunisia have met 21 times over the past 64 years, with the rivalry finely balanced. Each side has recorded six wins, while nine matches have ended in draws, some later decided by penalty shootouts.
Of the three encounters that went to penalties, Nigeria emerged victorious twice, including a dramatic 1982 FIFA World Cup qualifier and the memorable AFCON 2006 quarter-final in Port Said. Tunisia, however, had the last laugh on penalties at the 2004 AFCON, which they hosted and eventually won.
The rivalry has not been short of controversy. Nigeria famously walked off the pitch in a 1961 AFCON qualifier in Tunis after a disputed goal, while Tunisia did the same in the 1978 AFCON bronze-medal match in Kumasi following an equaliser by Baba Otu Mohammed.
When Tunisia edged Nigeria 1–0 at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, it marked their first competitive victory over the Super Eagles since 1985, adding extra edge to Saturday’s meeting.
Saturday’s clash promises intensity, muscle-flexing and tactical battles as Nigeria aim to assert themselves as tournament favourites, while Tunisia—already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—seek a second continental crown.
Trabelsi, a member of Tunisia’s historic 2004 AFCON-winning squad, boasts a talented group capable of changing games in an instant. Captain Ferjani Sassi, Ali Maâloul, Hannibal Mejbri, Dylan Bronn, Ali Ben Romdhane and Yan Valery were all instrumental in Tunisia’s commanding win over Uganda.
Read Also - 2024 In Review: USWNT Gold Feat, Orlando Pride, And Barbra Banda Year
For Nigeria, Chelle will rely on the attacking trio of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze, with Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi anchoring the defence. Osimhen, still searching for his first goal of the tournament, remains a constant threat, boasting 31 goals in 47 international appearances.
Midfield creativity will likely fall on Alex Iwobi, who could earn his 93rd cap, while captain Wilfred Ndidi will be crucial in disrupting Tunisia’s fast-paced transitions.
From high drama and penalty shootouts to walkouts and title-defining moments, the Nigeria–Tunisia rivalry has produced unforgettable chapters. Saturday night in Fès promises to add another, as two giants of African football collide with pride, history and qualification on the line.
Do you have story tips?
Kindly Email: keepup@bettitude.com
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube
About Author
