One of African football’s most storied rivalries takes the spotlight again on Saturday night as Nigeria faces Tunisia in a crucial Group C clash at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Fès, Morocco.
Both teams come into the fixture buoyed by victories on Matchday One and know that another win could be enough to seal early qualification for the knockout rounds. It is also an opportunity for Nigeria to respond to recent history against opponents who knocked them out of the 2021 AFCON in the round of 16.
The Super Eagles opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over Tanzania, with Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman on target. Tunisia were more commanding in their first outing, easing past Uganda 3-1 thanks to goals from Ellyes Skhiri and a brace by Elias Achouri to sit top of the group.
Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chell, said his players have worked hard in training and understand the level of focus required against a technically strong Tunisian side.
“For this game, we had a training session to recover, and we tried to put more intensity in the training session. Tunisia is a great team, and they are playing very well. Let’s go for this game,” Chelle said during Friday’s pre-match press conference.
The Franco-Malian tactician admitted that there were moments Nigeria could improve on from the Tanzania match, but was pleased with the mentality shown by his players.
“We analysed the game, and we did some things in the game, bad and good. But the goal was bad for us,” he said. “The reality was that we scored immediately after the goal, and that was a good reaction. We will work on it, and if there is no mistake, there is no goal, but my players are very ready for this game.”
Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi believes the team is mentally prepared, particularly after the disappointment of their 1-0 defeat to Tunisia at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon.
“It was a painful loss in 2021. It gives us more confidence when we talk about it. We don’t want to think about what happened; we just want to face this one,” Ndidi said.
“Definitely, it is a new team, good players, and a good group. We spoke highly of it because it is not going to happen twice, hopefully.”
Ndidi also dismissed suggestions that Nigeria are under pressure following their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“There’s no pressure on us, no pressure at all. We didn’t qualify for the World Cup, but we are actually ready for this tournament; it’s just like another opportunity to correct the wrong,” he added.
Tunisia defender Moutassar Taibli said the Carthage Eagles are fully aware of Nigeria’s attacking quality, led by Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze.
“We know Nigeria’s attackers are high-level players, but with experience and concentration, the result will be positive,”Taibli said.
Saturday’s match will be staged at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, with a vibrant atmosphere expected. Historically, the fixture has been finely balanced. The two nations have met 21 times over the last 64 years, recording six wins each, with nine draws.
At AFCON finals, Nigeria hold a slight advantage, claiming four victories compared to Tunisia’s two. Their most recent meeting came at the 2021 tournament, when Tunisia edged a Round of 16 tie 1-0 through Youssef Msakni’s second-half goal. Nigeria, however, had the upper hand at the 2019 AFCON, winning 1-0 in the third-place play-off thanks to Odion Ighalo’s strike.
Where to watch Nigeria vs Tunisia Clash and kick-off time:
The AFCON 2025 group match between Nigeria and Tunisia is scheduled to kick off at 9 p.m. (Nigerian time) later tonight, December 27 at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, Fès.
The match will be on dedicated Super Sports channels on DSTV, Star Time, SportyTV, CAF TV, Channel 4, beIN Sports, and many others.
Malian referee, Boubou Traore, will officiate the Group C table-toppers clash.
