The heavyweight clash of AFCON 2025 Group C takes place today, Saturday, December 27, 2025, as the "Super Eagles" of Nigeria face the "Carthage Eagles" of Tunisia. Kick-off is set for 20:00 GMT at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
Both teams enter this fixture with maximum points, making this a direct battle for the top spot in the group and a chance to virtually secure a place in the Round of 16.
Matchday 1 Recap: Winning Starts
Nigeria 2–1 Tanzania
The Super Eagles survived a rainy night in Fès to secure a hard-fought opening victory. Semi Ajayi gave Nigeria the lead with a powerful header in the 36th minute. While Tanzania stunned the West Africans with an equalizer from Charles M'Mombwa early in the second half, Ademola Lookman responded just two minutes later with a precise finish to seal the win. Despite the three points, critics (including legend Sunday Oliseh) have called for more clinical finishing from the front line.
Tunisia 3–1 Uganda
Tunisia produced one of the most professional performances of the opening round. Ellyes Skhiri opened the scoring in the 10th minute—the 100th goal in Tunisia's AFCON history—followed by a clinical brace from FC Copenhagen’s Elias Achouri. A late consolation goal for Uganda did little to dampen the spirits of the North Africans, who currently sit top of the group on goal difference.
Tactical Breakdown: Star Power vs. System Discipline
Nigeria’s "Diamond" Pressure
Coach Eric Chelle is expected to stick with a 4-4-2 diamond formation.
The Lookman-Osimhen Axis: Lookman is in the form of his life as a creative No. 10, while Victor Osimhen will be hungry to open his account after several missed chances against Tanzania.
Midfield Engine: Wilfred Ndidi provides the defensive anchor, allowing Alex Iwobi to drift into pockets of space to feed the strikers.
Tunisia’s Tactical Flexibility
Sami Trabelsi’s side thrives on defensive organization and quick vertical transitions.
The 4-3-3 System: Tunisia relies on a high-energy midfield trio of Sassi, Skhiri, and Mejbri to disrupt play and launch attacks through Elias Achouri.
Wide Threats: With Ali Maâloul and Dylan Bronn providing defensive assurance, the full-backs have the license to overlap and overload Nigeria's narrow diamond.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Nigeria Team News
The Super Eagles report a clean bill of health. The primary question is whether Samuel Chukwueze will start on the wing or if Chelle will opt for more defensive stability.
Predicted XI (4-1-2-1-2): Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Sanusi; Ndidi; Onyeka, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Boniface.
Tunisia Team News
Tunisia also has a fully fit squad. After his brace in the opener, Elias Achouri is the first name on the team sheet.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Dahmen; Valery, Bronn, Talbi, Maâloul; Sassi, Skhiri, Mejbri; Achouri, Mastouri, Msakni.
Head-to-Head: A 64-Year Rivalry
This is one of the most balanced rivalries in African football history.
Total Meetings: 21 | Nigeria (6 wins), Tunisia (7 wins), 8 Draws.
Last Meeting: Tunisia 1–0 Nigeria (2021 AFCON Round of 16).
AFCON History: Nigeria has a slight edge in tournament finals, but Tunisia has won the most recent high-stakes encounter.
Key Stats to Note
Group Stage Pedigree: Nigeria has won six of its last seven AFCON group-stage matches.
Scoring Streak: The Super Eagles have found the net in 13 of their last 14 tournament games.
Tunisia's Momentum: The Carthage Eagles have won their last three competitive matches and are unbeaten in their last five second-group-stage games at AFCON.
Match Prediction: A Tactical Stalemate
Both teams are in excellent form and possess enough quality to punish the other’s mistakes. Nigeria’s individual star power often clashes with Tunisia’s superior tactical organization. Given that a draw would likely suit both teams' paths to the knockout rounds, a high-quality stalemate is a strong possibility.
Final Score Prediction: Nigeria 1–1 Tunisia
