Nigeria continue their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) journey with a heavyweight clash against Tunisia, and the stakes could not be higher.
The Super Eagles began their campaign with a narrow yet confident victory over Tanzania, but Tunisia represent a significantly sterner assignment. Both nations know that a win here would push them very close to the knockout stage, therefore tension will be massive.
PREVIEW
Although Nigeria showed glimpses of dominance in their opener, they will need greater sharpness and organisation against Tunisia.
The North Africans impressed in their first game (3-1 victory against Uganda) and, importantly, displayed clinical finishing and control in key moments. Consequently, this encounter promises to be fast and fiercely tactical.
TEAM NEWS
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle could decide to still with his starting XI except the left-back position which remains a weak link in the Super Eagles set-up. Bruno Onyemaechi could start ahead of FC Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi who failed to impress in the win against Tanzania.
Victor Osimhen is expected to spearhead the attack, while creative support will be vital around him with the likes of Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze expected to be retained.
For Tunisia, Hazem Mastouri is available after injury concerns. Meanwhile, Elias Achouri and Hannibal Mejbri remain major attacking threats.
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H2H
Nigeria and Tunisia share a rich Africa Cup of Nations history, having faced each other six times at the finals.
Nigeria have claimed three victories while Tunisia boast one win, with two meetings ending level before penalty shootouts in 2004 and 2006 that produced one triumph each. Their first AFCON clash came in 1978 during the third-place play-off, when Nigeria were awarded a 2–0 result after Tunisia abandoned the match with the score at 1–1.
They crossed paths again in the opening game of the 2000 tournament, and Nigeria prevailed 4–2 as both nations still advanced from the group. As hosts in 2004, Tunisia met Nigeria in the semi-finals, where Jay-Jay Okocha scored before Khaled Badra equalised, and Tunisia won 5–3 on penalties.
In 2006, the rivals contested a quarter-final that finished 1–1, with Nigeria edging the shootout 6–5. Nigeria later beat Tunisia 1–0 for bronze in 2019, courtesy of Odion Ighalo’s early strike.
Their latest encounter arrived in 2021, when Youssef Msakni’s long-range effort sealed a 1–0 Round of 16 victory for Tunisia in a tense, disciplined contest that underlined this fierce rivalry.
Nigeria arrive with confidence from their opening win but must now increase intensity. Tunisia looked sharper and more ruthless last time out. As a result, momentum slightly leans toward the North Africans.
PREDICTED STARTING XI
Nigeria: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Lookman; Osimhen, Adams.
Tunisia: Dahmen; Valery, Bronn, Talbi, Abdi; Skhiri, Sassi, Mejbri; Achouri, Mastouri, Saad.
MATCH PREDICTION
This contest should be cagey because neither side will want to surrender control. Nigeria’s firepower gives them an edge though, and Osimhen could be decisive. A narrow Super Eagles win appears likely – 1-0 or 2-1.
TIME
Kick-off is scheduled for 9pm GMT+1 on Saturday, December 27, 2025.
MATCH VENUE
The match takes place at the Fez Stadium, Morocco.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Victor Osimhen is desperate to announce himself at this tournament and drive Nigeria forward. Meanwhile, Elias Achouri offers pace, skill and finishing quality for Tunisia, therefore Nigeria must remain alert.
Tags: Super Eagles, AFCON 2025, Tunisia, Fez Stadium, Nigeria vs Tunisia, Elias Achouri, Eric Chelle, #SoarSuperEagles, #LetsDoItAgain, AFCON 2025, Victor Osimhen.
