Who: Nigeria vs Tunisia
Content: CAF Africa Cup of Nations
Location: Fez Stadium, Fez, Morocco
Date and time: Saturday, December 27th, 9pm (20:00 GMT)
How to follow: All content will be broadcast on Al Jazeera Sports from 17:00 GMT, ahead of the text commentary stream.
Nigeria will regret not converting their chances in the first game and the former champions cannot afford to repeat the same when they face a resolute Tunisia in a crucial clash in Fes on Saturday.
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In contrast, Tunisia arrived with momentum and pedigree and have already qualified for next year’s FIFA World Cup, underscoring their credentials by comfortably defeating Uganda to top their group on Tuesday.
Although Nigeria achieved a good result by defeating Tanzania and clinching second place in Group C, star striker Victor Osimhen was unable to influence the game in any meaningful way and was wasted in front of goal on several occasions.
If the three-time AFCON winners are to have any hope of beating Tunisia, the Galatasaray forward will need to step up and rediscover the form that has made him one of the most feared attackers in the game.
Here’s what you need to know about Nigeria vs. Tunisia.
What happened in Nigeria’s first match of AFCON 2025?
Nigeria defeated Tanzania 2-1 in their opening game on Tuesday, thanks to a header from defender Semi Ajayi in the first half and a goal from attacking midfielder Ademola Lookman in the second half.
While the Super Eagles took all three points, the scoreline satisfied Tanzania and Nigeria squandered several opportunities to extend their lead. This difference is often decisive in tournament soccer.
What happened in Tunisia’s first match of AFCON 2025?
Tunisia also got off to a winning start to their AFCON campaign by defeating Uganda 3-1 in Rabat.
Elies Sciri headed home the opener and winger Elias Acholi scored twice on either side of half-time.
These three points are more than the two points earned at the 2023 AFCON tournament, where Tunisia was eliminated from the first round.
AFCON Group C standings after the start of group matches
After the first round of games, Tunisia is now at the top of Group C with three points, ahead of second place Nigeria on goal difference. Tanzania is in 3rd place and Uganda is in last place, with both teams having 0 points.
The top two teams in each group and the top four teams in third place will advance to the Round of 16.
When is the final group match between Nigeria and Tunisia?
Both teams will conclude their group stage matches on Tuesday.
Regardless of the outcome of the match between Nigeria and Tunisia, if either Tanzania or Uganda win Saturday’s kick-off, the final group game will be a tense affair.
Group C final:
Tanzania vs Tunisia (Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, 5pm/16:00 GMT) Uganda vs Nigeria (Fez Stadium, 5pm/16:00 GMT)
Who are the key players in Nigeria?
Star striker Osimhen is Nigeria’s most high-profile player, but he was far from his best, with several misfires in the opening game against Tanzania.
Right-winger Samuel Chukwueze was involved in much of the playmaking, left-winger Alex Iwobi was an outstanding performer with the most chances, and goalscorer Lookman was also dangerous in attack.
Who are the key players in Tunisia?
Acholi, a winger who led Tunisia to victory against Uganda, is the team’s star attacking player.
Midfielder Skilli, who is also one of the scorers, and youngster Hannibal Meybry, who created the most chances, are other Tunisian players to watch.
form guide
All competitions, latest results are:
Nigeria: WLLWW
Tunisia: WWDLD
direct confrontation
Nigeria and Tunisia have played each other a total of 21 times, including official matches and friendlies.
Of those matches, Tunisia won seven, Nigeria won six, and eight of the matches ended in draws.
The most recent meeting between the two sides was in the last 16 stage of AFCON in January 2022, with Tunisia winning 1-0.
AFCON records
Nigeria has competed in AFCON 20 times, winning three times (most recently lifting the trophy in 2013) and finishing runners-up five times. Remarkably, they have finished in the top three in 13 of their last 15 AFCON appearances.
Tunisia has participated in the continental championship 21 times, winning on home soil in 2004. He has also been runner-up twice. This year marks Tunisia’s 17th consecutive AFCON appearance.
Nigeria team news
Nigeria head coach Eric Schell is not worried about any new injuries. However, it is possible that Zaidu Sanusi, who did not perform well as a left-back in the opening game, will be placed on the bench and some changes will be made in defense.
Nigeria’s predicted lineup
Stanley Nwabari (goalkeeper); Bright Ossai-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi. Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfried Ndidi, Alex Iwobi. Ademola Lookman. Victor Osimhen, Eiko Adams
Tunisia team news
Hazem Masturi’s availability was in doubt after he was sent off at half-time following a heavy tackle against Uganda, but the striker has been deemed fit to play against Nigeria.
Expected lineup for Tunisia
Aymen Damen (goalkeeper); Yan Valéry, Dylan Bron, Montassar Talbi, Ali Abdi. Ferjani Sassi, Elies Schiri, Hannibal Meibry. Elias Acholi, Hazem Mastouri, Elias Saad
