Nigeria face Tunisia in crucial top-of-the-table AFCON clash

One of Africa’s most enduring football rivalries takes centre stage on Saturday as Nigeria and Tunisia clash in a top-of-the-table Group encounter at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Fès, Morocco.

Both sides head into the fixture with confidence after winning their opening matches.

The Super Eagles edged past Tanzania 2–1, with goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman, while Tunisia produced a more commanding display, defeating Uganda 3–1 through strikes from Ellyes Skhiri and a brace by Elias Achouri.

Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle said his team has worked intensively in training to prepare for what he described as a highly technical Tunisian side.

“For this game, we had a recovery session and then increased the intensity in training.”

“Tunisia is a great team and they are playing very well. We are ready for this game,” Chelle said.

The Franco-Malian tactician admitted that Nigeria made mistakes in their opening match but expressed confidence in his players’ response and readiness.

“We analysed the game and saw both the good and bad moments.”

“The goal we conceded was bad for us, but the reality is that we responded immediately by scoring, and that reaction was positive. My players are very ready for this game,” he added.

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi said the team remains determined to avoid a repeat of their painful 1–0 defeat to Tunisia in the Round of 16 at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, where the Carthage Eagles knocked Nigeria out of the competition.

“It was a painful loss in 2021. We don’t want to dwell on what happened. We just want to focus on this game,” Ndidi said.

He stressed that the current squad is motivated and mentally prepared to go far in the tournament.

“This is a new team with good players and strong unity. What happened before should not happen again, hopefully,” he added.

Ndidi also dismissed suggestions that Nigeria are under pressure following their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the AFCON presents a chance for redemption.

“There is no pressure on us. We didn’t qualify for the World Cup, but this tournament is another opportunity to correct the wrong. The team is ready to achieve something,” he said.

On the Tunisian side, defender Moutassar Taibli acknowledged Nigeria’s attacking quality, particularly the threat posed by Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze, but expressed confidence in his team’s approach.

“Nigeria have high-level attackers, but with experience and concentration, we believe the result will be positive,” Taibli said.

Historically, the rivalry between both nations has been closely contested. In 21 meetings over 64 years, Nigeria and Tunisia have recorded six wins each, with nine draws. At AFCON finals, however, Nigeria hold a slight edge, having won four encounters to Tunisia’s two.

Saturday’s clash is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the group standings and could set the tone for both teams’ ambitions at the tournament.

Very Nigerian.

Join Very Nigerian WhatsApp Channel
For Verified Breaking News, Exclusive Reports, Trending Stories, And Real-time Updates.
CLICk HERE TO JOIN!