AFCON 2025: Nigeria and Tunisia Set for Crucial Top-of-the-Table Clash in Fès
Nigeria and Tunisia will renew their famous rivalry on Saturday when they meet in a top-of-the-table Group C match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The game will be played at the 35,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès.
Both teams won their opening matches and are tied on three points, making the encounter a key battle for early qualification to the Round of 16. Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle and Tunisia’s coach Sami Trabelsi, both former international players, will be eager to guide their sides to victory.
Nigeria and Tunisia have faced each other 21 times over the past 64 years. Each team has won six matches, while nine games ended in draws. Some of those draws were later decided by penalty shootouts. Nigeria won two of the three matches that went to penalties, including a memorable World Cup qualifier in 1982 and an AFCON quarter-final in Egypt in 2006. Tunisia won on penalties when they hosted the tournament in 2004.
The rivalry has also produced dramatic moments, including two walkouts. Nigeria walked off the pitch during an AFCON qualifier in Tunis in 1961 after a disputed goal, while Tunisia did the same in a bronze medal match at the 1978 AFCON in Kumasi after Nigeria equalised.
Tunisia’s 1–0 win over Nigeria in the Round of 16 at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon was their first competitive victory over the Super Eagles since 1985.
Saturday’s match is expected to be another intense contest, with Nigeria aiming to strengthen their status as title contenders and Tunisia pushing for a second AFCON crown, having already qualified for the next FIFA World Cup.
Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi, a member of the squad that won the country’s only AFCON title in 2004, has several dangerous players at his disposal. Captain Ferjani Sassi, Ali Maâloul, Hannibal Mejbri, Dylan Bronn, Ali Ben Romdhane and Yan Valery all played key roles in Tunisia’s strong win over Uganda in their opening game.
For Nigeria, coach Eric Chelle will rely on the attacking trio of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze. Defenders Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi provide strength at the back. Osimhen, who has scored 31 goals in 47 matches for Nigeria, will be eager to open his account at the tournament.
Midfielder Alex Iwobi is expected to play a major role as he closes in on his 93rd international appearance, while captain Wilfred Ndidi will be vital in breaking up Tunisia’s quick passing game.
With history, pride and qualification at stake, Nigeria and Tunisia are set for another thrilling chapter in their long-standing rivalry.
