FÈS, MOROCCO – A classic African football rivalry will be renewed on Saturday as Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles face off in a pivotal Group C match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Set against the historic backdrop of Fès, the clash pits two sides brimming with confidence after winning their opening fixtures. Nigeria edged Tanzania 2-1, while Tunisia dispatched Uganda 3-1, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle for early group supremacy.
The fixture is steeped in 64 years of intense history, marked by drama, walkouts, and penalty shootouts. Tunisia will draw confidence from their 1-0 victory in the 2022 AFCON Round of 16, a recent reminder of their ability to thwart the Nigerian side.
Tactical intrigue will be high on the sidelines, with Nigeria’s Eric Chelle and Tunisia’s Sami Trabelsi—both former internationals—vying for a crucial advantage.
Key Players to Watch:
· Nigeria: All eyes will be on striker Victor Osimhen to open his tournament account. Wingers Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze will provide attacking width, while Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi anchor the midfield.
· Tunisia: The 2004 champions will rely on captain Ferjani Sassi in midfield, the creativity of Hannibal Mejbri, and the goal threat of Elias Achouri, who scored a brace against Uganda.
With both teams on three points and a keen awareness of their storied past, Saturday’s encounter promises a fierce and potentially decisive contest under the Moroccan lights.
· Head-to-Head Snapshot: In 21 meetings across all competitions, Tunisia holds a slight edge with 7 wins to Nigeria’s 6, with 8 draws.