Who: Nigeria vs Tunisia
What: CAF Africa Cup of Nations
The place: Fez Stadium in Fez, Morocco
When: Saturday, December 27, at 9pm (20:00 GMT)
Learn how to comply with: We’ll have all of the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 17:00 GMT prematurely of our textual content commentary stream.
Nigeria had been left to rue their incapacity to transform possibilities of their opening match, and the previous champions can sick afford a repeat after they face a resolute Tunisia facet in Saturday’s pivotal conflict in Fez.
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Tunisia, in contrast, arrive with momentum and pedigree, having already secured qualification for subsequent yr’s FIFA World Cup, and underlined their credentials by easing previous Uganda to go high of the group on Tuesday.
Whereas Nigeria did properly to beat Tanzania and declare Group C’s second spot, they had been wasteful in entrance of purpose on a number of events, with star striker Victor Osimhen failing to impression the sport in any significant approach.
If the three-time AFCON winners are to harbour hopes of beating Tunisia, they are going to want their Galatasaray ahead to step up and rediscover the shape that has made him one of many recreation’s most feared attackers.
Right here’s all the things it’s essential learn about Nigeria vs Tunisia:
What occurred in Nigeria’s first match of AFCON 2025?
Nigeria defeated Tanzania 2-1 in Tuesday’s marketing campaign opener, due to a first-half header from defender Semi Ajayi and a second-half strike from attacking midfielder Ademola Lookman.
Whereas the Tremendous Eagles secured all three factors, the scoreline flattered Tanzania, with Nigeria losing a number of alternatives to increase their lead – margins that always show decisive in match soccer.
What occurred in Tunisia’s first match of AFCON 2025?
Tunisia additionally recorded a successful begin to their AFCON marketing campaign, easing previous Uganda 3-1 in Rabat.
Ellyes Skhiri headed in an early opener, and winger Elias Achouri then scored twice on both facet of half-time.
The three factors surpassed Tunisia’s two-point tally from the AFCON 2023 marketing campaign, through which they suffered a first-round exit.
AFCON Group C standings after opening group matches
After the primary spherical of matches, Tunisia are on high of Group C with three factors, above second-placed Nigeria on purpose distinction. Tanzania are third, whereas Uganda are backside, with each groups having no factors.
The highest two groups from every group, together with the most effective 4 third-placed groups, will advance to the spherical of 16.
When are Nigeria’s and Tunisia’s remaining group video games?
Each groups will end their group-stage fixtures on Tuesday.
A win for both Tanzania or Uganda within the earlier kickoff on Saturday will arrange a tense finale within the group, regardless of the result of Nigeria’s match towards Tunisia.
Group C’s finales:
- Tanzania vs Tunisia (Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, 5pm/16:00 GMT)
- Uganda vs Nigeria (Fez Stadium, 5pm/16:00 GMT)
Who’re Nigeria’s key gamers?
Though star striker Osimhen is Nigeria’s highest-profile participant, he was removed from his finest self within the opening match towards Tanzania, misfiring on a number of events.
Proper winger Samuel Chukwueze was concerned in lots of playmaking, left winger Alex Iwobi was a standout performer with essentially the most possibilities, and purpose scorer Lookman was additionally harmful in assault.
Who’re Tunisia’s key gamers?
Winger Achouri, whose brace led Tunisia to a victory over Uganda, is the crew’s star attacking participant.
Midfielder Skhiri, who was additionally among the many scorers, and teenager Hannibal Mejbri, who created essentially the most possibilities, are the opposite notable Tunisian gamers.
Type information
All competitions, most up-to-date consequence final:
Nigeria: W-L-L-W-W
Tunisia: W-W-D-L-D
Head-to-head
Nigeria and Tunisia have met 21 occasions in complete, together with aggressive and pleasant matches.
Tunisia have gained seven of these conferences, Nigeria have gained six, whereas eight video games resulted in a draw.
Their most up-to-date assembly was in January 2022 on the AFCON’s last-16 stage, the place Tunisia gained 1-0.
AFCON data
Nigeria have performed at AFCON 20 occasions, ending winners on three events – most lately lifting the trophy in 2013 – and runners-up 5 occasions. Remarkably, they’ve completed within the high three in 13 of their final 15 AFCON appearances.
Tunisia have appeared 21 occasions on the continental championships, rising winners on their house soil in 2004. They’ve additionally completed as runners-up twice. This yr’s version marks Tunisia’s seventeenth consecutive AFCON look.
Nigeria crew information
Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has no new damage considerations. Nevertheless, he may make some modifications in defence, probably benching Zaidu Sanusi after his poor efficiency at left again within the opening match.
Nigeria’s predicted lineup
Stanley Nwabali (goalkeeper); Shiny Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfried Ndidi, Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman; Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams
Tunisia crew information
Hazem Mastouri’s availability got here into doubt after he got here off at half-time towards Uganda following a collection of heavy tackles, however the striker has been deemed match to face Nigeria.
Tunisia’s predicted lineup
Aymen Dahmen (goalkeeper); Yan Valery, Dylan Bronn, Montassar Talbi, Ali Abdi; Ferjani Sassi, Elyes Skhiri, Hannibal Mejbri; Elias Achouri, Hazem Mastouri, Elias Saad
