AFCON: Nigeria Vs Tunisia Match Preview
Nigeria and Tunisia will meet on Saturday evening with a place in the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations within reach for both teams.
The Group C match will take place at the Complexe Sportif de Fès and brings together two of Africa’s traditional heavyweights. Tanzania and Uganda are the other teams in the group, but Nigeria and Tunisia have made the strongest start so far.
Nigeria opened their campaign with a 2–1 win over Tanzania, while Tunisia sit top of the group on goal difference after a convincing 3–1 victory against Uganda. A second straight win for either side would almost guarantee qualification for the next round, adding extra importance to the encounter.
Match preview
The Super Eagles controlled large parts of their opening game but were not fully clinical. Semi Ajayi scored Nigeria’s first goal before Tanzania briefly levelled. Ademola Lookman then struck the winning goal after the break to secure all three points.
The win was Nigeria’s 14th opening-match victory at AFCON and extended their unbeaten run in the group stage to seven matches. They have also lost just one of their last 15 AFCON group games, showing strong consistency at this stage of the tournament.
Against Tanzania, Nigeria completed most of their passes and created several chances. Victor Osimhen had seven shots on goal, the highest by a Nigerian player in an AFCON match since 2010, while Alex Iwobi provided two assists in an impressive midfield display.
Tunisia, on the other hand, ended a four-match winless run at AFCON with a confident performance against Uganda. Ellyes Skhiri scored early, and Elias Achouri netted twice to seal the victory. It was Tunisia’s first opening-game win at the tournament since 2013.
Skhiri’s goal was also Tunisia’s 100th at AFCON finals, making them one of only six countries to reach that mark. The Carthage Eagles are known for starting games quickly, and their opener confirmed that reputation.
Historically, matches between Nigeria and Tunisia are usually close. The two sides have met 21 times, with honours fairly even. Nigeria have the better record at AFCON, winning three of their six tournament meetings, while Tunisia won their most recent clash, a 1–0 victory in the 2021 Round of 16.
Team news
Nigeria have no new injury concerns, and head coach Eric Chelle is expected to keep most of the team that started against Tanzania. Lookman will again be key in attack, while Osimhen is expected to lead the line as he looks for his first goal of the tournament. Iwobi and captain Wilfred Ndidi will be central to Nigeria’s midfield control.
Tunisia also have a full squad available after their opening win. Coach Sami Trabelsi is likely to stick with a similar line-up, with Achouri expected to play an advanced role again. Skhiri and Hannibal Mejbri will be important in midfield, while Montassar Talbi is set to continue in defence after a strong display.
Prediction
With both teams in good form and their past meetings often decided by small margins, a tight contest is expected in Fès. A draw would keep qualification within reach for both sides.
Prediction: Nigeria 2–2 Tunisia
