AFCON 2025: Nigeria Seek Successive Wins, Tunisia Aim to Extend Second-Match Unbeaten Run

Nigeria and Tunisia are set for a decisive clash in Group C of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, with both sides aiming to secure early qualification to the knockout stage. The fixture takes place at the Complexe Sportif de Fes in Fes.

Nigeria arrive with confidence after a 2–1 victory over Tanzania, while Tunisia opened their campaign strongly with a 3–1 win against Uganda. The encounter rekindles a rivalry that stretches back more than six decades, beginning in 1961 when the two nations met in qualifying for the 1962 AFCON.

That tie ended in controversy, with Nigeria walking off the pitch in Tunis, handing Tunisia a 2–0 awarded win and progression on aggregate.

The rivalry has extended across FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with meetings in 1978, 1982, 1986 and 2010. Tunisia famously edged Nigeria in Lagos in 1977 to qualify for Argentina ’78, while Nigeria prevailed on penalties in 1982.

Tunisia again advanced in 1986, but Nigeria topped the group in 2010 to secure their place at the finals in South Africa.

At the AFCON finals, the two sides have met six times, producing drama and balance. Nigeria have three wins, Tunisia one, with two draws settled by penalties. Their first finals meeting came in 1978 when Tunisia walked off in the third-place play-off, handing Nigeria a 2–0 victory.

Nigeria triumphed 4–2 in Lagos at the 2000 tournament, while Tunisia as hosts in 2004 edged the Super Eagles on penalties in the semi-final. Nigeria responded in 2006, winning a quarter-final shootout, and later claimed third place in 2019 with Odion Ighalo’s early strike.

Tunisia’s most recent success came in 2021, when Youssef Msakni’s goal eliminated Nigeria in the Round of 16.

Nigeria’s current form is impressive. They have now opened an AFCON campaign with victory for the 14th time and are unbeaten in their last seven group-stage matches.

Their attack remains sharp, with Semi Ajayi scoring his first AFCON goal against Tanzania, Ademola Lookman netting his fourth in the competition, and Victor Osimhen registering seven shots.

Alex Iwobi’s creativity was pivotal, providing two assists and completing 71 passes, while Samuel Chukwueze showcased his dribbling flair.

Tunisia, meanwhile, ended a four-match winless run at AFCON with their victory over Uganda. Ellyes Skhiri’s header marked their 100th goal in tournament history, while Elias Achouri became the first Tunisian since Wahbi Khazri in 2021 to score twice in a single AFCON match.

Hannibal Mejbri added creativity with four chances created, and Montassar Talbi anchored the midfield with composure in possession. Tunisia’s record in second group matches is strong, unbeaten in their last five tournaments, and they last lost such a fixture in 2013.

With both sides carrying momentum, the clash in Fes promises to be another chapter in a storied rivalry. Nigeria’s consistency and attacking depth will be tested against Tunisia’s resilience and history of rising to the occasion in group stages.