Who: Tunisia vs. Nigeria
What: CAF Africa Cup of Nations
Where: Fez Stadium in Fez, Morocco
When: Saturday, December 27, at 9pm (20:00 GMT)
How to follow: We’ll have all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 17:00 GMT in advance of our text commentary stream.
In their opening game, Nigeria were left to rue their inability to convert chances, and the former champions can’t afford to face a determined Tunisian side in Saturday’s crucial game in Fez.
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Tunisia, on the other hand, has momentum and pedigree, having already qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 2015 and underlined their credentials by passing Uganda on Tuesday to take the lead.
Although Nigeria won Group C to take the lead, they were wasteful in front of goal on several occasions, with Victor Osimhen’s star striker failing to make a significant impact on the game.
Their Galatasaray forward will need to step up and rediscover the form that has made him one of the game’s most feared attackers if the three-time AFCON champions have any chance of defeating Tunisia.
What is the essential information for you to know about Tunisia and Nigeria:
What took place in AFCON 2025’s first game in Nigeria?
In the opening match of the campaign, Nigeria defeated Tanzania 2-1 thanks to a first-half header from attacking midfielder Ademola Lookman and second-half header from defensive midfielder Semi Ajayi.
The Super Eagles won all three points, but Tanzania was flattered by the scoreline, with Nigeria wasted numerous chances to extend their lead, which can frequently be used to determine tournament results.
What took place in Tunisia’s opening AFCON 2025 game?
Tunisia also triumphed in Rabat by defeating Uganda 3-1 in the AFCON competition.
Elias Achouri scored twice on either side of halftime after Ellyes Skhiri’s opener in the opening period.
Tunisia’s two-point total from the AFCON 2023 campaign, which saw them exit in the first round, was surpassed by the three points.
AFCON Group C standings following group openers
In terms of goal difference, Tunisia are now in the lead in Group C with three points, overtaking second-placed Nigeria. Tanzania is third, while Uganda is at the bottom, both teams having no points.
The top four third-placed teams, along with the top two teams in each group, will advance to the round of 16.
When are the final group games between Tunisia and Nigeria?
On Tuesday, both teams will wrap up their group stage matches.
No matter the outcome of Nigeria’s match against Tunisia, a win for either Tanzania or Uganda will set up a tense finale in the group.
Final moments of Group C:
- Tunisia vs. Tanzania at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, 5 p.m. / 00 GMT.
- Uganda vs Nigeria (Fez Stadium, 5pm/16: 00 GMT)
Who are the main players in Nigeria?
Osimhen, the country’s most well-known striker, was far from his best during the opening game against Tanzania, failing repeatedly.
Samuel Chukwueze, the right winger with the most chances, Alex Iwobi, the team’s top scorer, and Lookman, the attacking goalie, made a lot of playmaking mistakes.
Who are the main figures in Tunisia?
The team’s star attacking player is winger Achouri, who scored twice to help Tunisia defeat Uganda.
Other notable Tunisian players include midfielder Skhiri, who also had the most chances, and youngster Hannibal Mejbri, who also had the most chances.
Form manual
Lasts in all competitions, with the most recent result:
Nigeria: W-L-L-W-W
Tunisia: W-W-D-L-D
Head-to-head
Total, Tunisia and Nigeria have met 21 times, including in friendly and competitive matches.
In addition to those seven meetings, Nigeria won six, and eight games ended in draws.
Tunisia won the AFCON final 16 match with a score of 1-0 in January 2022.
AFCON records
Nigeria has won the AFCON 20 times, most recently winning the trophy in 2013 and finishing second overall. In 13 of their last 15 AFCON appearances, they consistently placed in the top three.
Tunisia won the continental championships on their own soil in 2004 after appearing 21 times there. Additionally, they finished as runners-up twice. Tunisia will compete in the 17th AFCON event in a row this year.
News from the Nigerian team
Eric Chelle, the head coach of Nigeria, has no current health issues. However, he might make some defensive adjustments, possibly replacing Zaidu Sanusi after his opening game poor left-back performance.
Nigeria’s lineup was anticipated
Stanley Nwabali (goalkeeper), Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and Akor Adams
News from the Tunisian team
Hazem Mastouri’s fitness was put into question after he was forced to leave for Uganda at half-time after making numerous heavy tackles, but he has since been determined fit to face Nigeria.
Tunisia’s lineup is anticipated
Source: Aljazeera
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