AFCON 2025: Nigeria vs Tunisia — Match Preview, Team Updates, Kick-off Time and TV Details

The Super Eagles of Nigeria return to action on Saturday night at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a crucial Group C clash against Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Morocco.

A victory for Eric Chelle’s men would seal Nigeria’s place in the knockout stages, as both sides head into the encounter buoyed by wins in their opening group matches.

Nigeria kicked off their AFCON campaign with a 2–1 win over Tanzania, courtesy of goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman. Tunisia also impressed on Matchday 1, defeating Uganda 3–1 to set up a high-stakes encounter between two confident teams.

For the three-time African champions, all eyes will be on Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, who is yet to open his scoring account at the tournament. He is expected to be supported in attack by Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams and Samuel Chukwueze. In midfield, captain Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi are likely to return, possibly alongside Frank Onyeka, depending on Chelle’s tactical approach.

Defensively, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi are expected to anchor the backline, with Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi operating on the flanks. Stanley Nwabali is set to continue in goal.

Tunisia were dominant against Uganda, and head coach Sami Trabelsi is unlikely to make major changes. Elias Achouri, who netted twice in their opening match, remains the main attacking threat. Captain Ferjani Sassi is expected to marshal the midfield alongside Ellyes Skhiri and Hannibal Mejbri, while Ali Maâloul and Dylan Bronn will shield goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen at the back.

The two sides last met at the 2021 AFCON, where Tunisia edged a 1–0 Round of 16 victory through a Youssef Msakni goal. However, Nigeria prevailed 1–0 in the third-place playoff at the 2019 AFCON, thanks to an early strike from Odion Ighalo.

Nigeria have won six of their last nine matches, and if they are to seriously stake a claim for their first AFCON title since 2013, a strong performance against Tunisia will be vital.

Past Meetings

Overall Record (All Competitions)
Nigeria: Played 21 | Won 5 | Drawn 10 | Lost 6
Tunisia: Played 21 | Won 6 | Drawn 10 | Lost 5

AFCON Meetings Only
Nigeria: Played 6 | Won 3 | Drawn 2 | Lost 1
Tunisia: Played 6 | Won 1 | Drawn 2 | Lost 3

Match Details
Fixture: Nigeria vs Tunisia
Competition: AFCON 2025 (Group C)
Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025
Time: 9:00 p.m. (Nigerian time)
Venue: Complexe Sportif de Fès, Fès
Referee: Boubou Traore (Mali)
Where to Watch: CAF TV

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