One of African football’s fiercest rivalries returns to the spotlight on Saturday as Nigeria and Tunisia square off in a pivotal Group-stage encounter at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The match, scheduled for the 35,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès, is already being billed as a potential group decider, with both teams arriving on three points from their opening fixtures.
The clash sets up a compelling duel between two former internationals now on the touchline. Nigeria’s Eric Chelle and Tunisia’s Sami Trabelsi are chasing a second consecutive win that would virtually seal a place in the Round of 16 and ease pressure ahead of the final group matches.
Nigeria and Tunisia have shared the pitch for more than six decades, meeting 21 times in competitive and friendly matches since 1961. The rivalry has been remarkably balanced, with each side recording six wins while nine matches ended in draws, some later decided by penalties. Nigeria holds the edge in shootouts, winning two of the three penalty-decided encounters, including a memorable 1982 World Cup qualifier and an AFCON quarter-final in Port Said, Egypt, nearly two decades ago.
Tunisia, however, will draw confidence from history. The Carthage Eagles famously defeated Nigeria on home soil during the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations, a victory that propelled them to the final and ultimately to their only continental title. They also claimed bragging rights in the most recent competitive meeting, edging Nigeria 1-0 in the Round of 16 at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, their first competitive win over the Super Eagles since a 1985 World Cup qualifier in Tunis.
Matches between both sides have rarely been short of drama. Nigeria once walked off the pitch during an AFCON qualifier in Tunis in December 1961 over a disputed goal, while Tunisia staged a similar protest in Kumasi in March 1978 after Nigeria equalised through Baba Otu Mohammed in a bronze-medal match.
Read Also:
- Isak to miss 2 months due to ‘reckless’ tackle – Slot
- Anthony Joshua to pay $66m in taxes after earning $140m from victory over Jake Paul
- Anthony Joshua to pay $66m in taxes after earning $140m from victory over Jake Paul
Saturday’s encounter promises the same intensity, with Nigeria keen to assert themselves as serious title contenders in Morocco 2025 and Tunisia determined to fine-tune their squad as they build towards the next FIFA World Cup.
Trabelsi, himself part of Tunisia’s golden 2004 squad, boasts a seasoned lineup led by captain Ferjani Sassi. The likes of Ali Maâloul, Hannibal Mejbri, Dylan Bronn, Ali Ben Romdhane and Yan Valery give the Carthage Eagles balance and bite, a quality they displayed in their win over Uganda in Rabat earlier this week.
Nigeria, meanwhile, will rely on firepower. Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze form a feared attacking trio, supported by the defensive stability of Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi. Osimhen is yet to open his goal account at the tournament, but his record of 31 goals in 47 international appearances suggests Tunisia’s defence will be under sustained pressure.
Midfielder Alexander Iwobi is also expected to play a key role as he closes in on another international milestone, bringing experience and control to Nigeria’s midfield as the Super Eagles chase maximum points.
With pride, history and early qualification at stake, Fès is set for a night of high drama as two African heavyweights collide once again on the AFCON stage.
