Nigeria’s Super Eagles will be under pressure to sharpen their finishing when they take on Tunisia in a crucial CAF Africa Cup of Nations Group C encounter on Saturday, December 27, at the Fez Stadium in Fez, Morocco. Kick-off is set for 9:00pm local time (20:00 GMT).
The three-time African champions head into the match knowing they can ill afford another wasteful display after a mixed performance in their opening fixture. Nigeria claimed a 2–1 victory over Tanzania on Tuesday, with goals from defender Semi Ajayi and attacking midfielder Ademola Lookman, but the scoreline masked the Super Eagles’ dominance and profligacy in front of goal.
Star striker Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s highest-profile player, struggled to make an impact, missing several opportunities to put the game beyond Tanzania. Head coach Eric Chelle will be hoping the Galatasaray forward rediscovers the lethal form that has made him one of Africa’s most feared attackers.
In contrast, Tunisia arrive in Fez full of confidence and momentum. The Carthage Eagles eased past Uganda 3–1 in their opening match in Rabat, with Elyes Skhiri opening the scoring before winger Elias Achouri struck twice. The win lifted Tunisia to the top of Group C on goal difference and underlined their pedigree, coming on the back of their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After the first round of matches, Tunisia lead Group C with three points, level with second-placed Nigeria. Tanzania sit third, while Uganda are bottom, both without a point. The top two teams in each group, along with the four best third-placed sides, will advance to the round of 16.
Saturday’s earlier fixture between Tanzania and Uganda could further complicate the group picture, setting up a tense finale regardless of the outcome in Fez. Both Nigeria and Tunisia will conclude their group-stage campaigns on Tuesday.
Key Players to Watch
For Nigeria, Alex Iwobi was a standout performer against Tanzania, creating the most chances, while Samuel Chukwueze was heavily involved in build-up play and Lookman posed a consistent threat in attack. Tunisia’s danger men include brace hero Elias Achouri, midfield general Elyes Skhiri, and youngster Hannibal Mejbri, who was the team’s chief creator in the opener.
Form Guide (All Competitions)
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Nigeria: W–L–L–W–W
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Tunisia: W–W–D–L–D
Head-to-Head
Nigeria and Tunisia have met 21 times across competitive and friendly matches. Tunisia hold a slight edge with seven wins to Nigeria’s six, while eight encounters ended in draws. Their most recent meeting came at the 2022 AFCON Round of 16, where Tunisia claimed a narrow 1–0 victory.
AFCON Pedigree
Nigeria are making their 20th AFCON appearance, having won the tournament three times (most recently in 2013) and finishing runners-up on five occasions. Tunisia, champions in 2004, are featuring for a record 17th consecutive AFCON, marking their 21st overall appearance.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Nigeria team news:
Coach Eric Chelle has no fresh injury concerns but may make defensive changes, with Zaidu Sanusi potentially dropped after a difficult outing at left back.
Nigeria predicted XI:
Stanley Nwabali (GK); Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfried Ndidi, Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman; Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams.
Tunisia team news:
Striker Hazem Mastouri, who was substituted at half-time against Uganda after heavy challenges, has been declared fit.
Tunisia predicted XI:
Aymen Dahmen (GK); Yan Valery, Dylan Bronn, Montassar Talbi, Ali Abdi; Ferjani Sassi, Elyes Skhiri, Hannibal Mejbri; Elias Achouri, Hazem Mastouri, Elias Saad.
With qualification stakes high and Group C finely balanced, Saturday night’s clash promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the AFCON group stage.
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