Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Soccernet.ng
  • Home
  • AFCON 2025
  • Leagues
    • EPL
    • NPFL
    • La Liga
    • Seria A
    • Ligue 1
  • Live Scores
  • Soccernet TV
  • Lifestyle
No Result
View All Result
Soccernet.ng
  • Home
  • AFCON 2025
  • Leagues
    • EPL
    • NPFL
    • La Liga
    • Seria A
    • Ligue 1
  • Live Scores
  • Soccernet TV
  • Lifestyle
No Result
View All Result
Soccernet.ng
No Result
View All Result

Nigeria Vs Tunisia: Preview, probable lineups, prediction as Super Eagles aim to exude their dominance over the Carthage Eagles

by Kelvin Omachonu
January 22, 2022
in AFCON, News, NewsNow, Nigeria
7

The two African heavyweights will lock horns in the round of 16 for a chance to play in the quarter-finals of the 2021 AFCON

Nigeria have not lost a game at the Africa Cup of Nations so far, and they will look to keep it that way on Sunday when they trade tackles with the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia at the Roumde Adija Stadium.

The Super Eagles are gunning for a fourth AFCON crown, while their Tunisian counterparts are looking for a second trophy. The Carthage Eagles have not won the Africa Cup of Nations in 19 years.

It was a tale of contrasting fortunes for both sides in the group stage. While Nigeria were absolutely outstanding in Group D, winning all three of their games, the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia were abysmal, securing only three points in a group that had Mali, Mauritania, and debutants the Gambia.

The Carthage Eagles only managed to make the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.

This is the second time that there will be a round of 16 stage at the AFCON, but Nigeria have reached the semifinals in 13 of their last 15 appearances at the African showpiece.

However, Tunisia have reached the semifinals of the tournament just four times in their last 15 appearances.

Head-to-head

Nigeria and Tunisian are familiar foes. Nigeria have faced the Carthage Eagles 16 times, with the most recent being a friendly match in October 2020, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Both sides have five wins apiece and six draws in their 16 meetings. Although, Nigeria have had the upper hand in the recent ties, beating Tunisia 1-0 in the third-place match at the 2019 AFCON.

Also, Nigeria have not lost to the Carthage Eagles in the last five meetings, but four of those results were draws.

Nigeria and Tunisia have met at the AFCON five times, and Nigeria have the upper hand, winning four times and losing just once to the, albeit on penalties.

Team News

Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen has the full complement of his squad. There have been no injuries so far.

Meanwhile, coach Mondher Kebaier is not so lucky, as twelve of his players, including their biggest player and Captain Wahbi Khazri, have been ruled out due to Covid-19. Their star striker Ali Maaloul is also affected.

In their final group game against the Gambia, coach Kebaier named only seven substitutes, and the same could suffice when they face the Super Eagles.

Probable lineup 

Coach Eguavoen named eight new players in the side that beat Gambia 2-0. However, the Super Eagles coach will likely to his strongest team against the Carthage Eagles.

Nigeria likely XI: Maduka Okoye, William Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Ola Aina, Zaidu Sanusi, Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Taiwo Awoniyi.

Meanwhile, coach Kebaier has a bad selection headache, as he would have to tweak his team without his star players. Manchester United 19-year-old Hannibal Mejbri could replace Hamza Rafia in the starting lineup.

Tunisia XI: Bechir Ben Said, Ali Abdi, Montassar Talbi, Bilel Ifa, Hamza Mathlouthi, Aisa Laidouni, Ellyes Skhiri, Anis Slimane, Hannibal Mejbri, Seifeddine Jaziri, Saif-Eddine Khaoui.

Prediction

The odds are stacked against Tunisia, not just because Nigeria are in better form and have more quality. The Tunisians are also short-staffed.

Nigeria have been brilliant in defence, but they have not been able to put away their chances. Meanwhile, the Tunisians have a very blunt attack and have struggled to create chances.

Close margins in the past have defined the fixture, and due to both sides’ profligate attacks, a 1-0 victory for Nigeria should suffice.

Tags: AFCON 2021Super Eagles
Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.

RelatedPosts

Nigeria Vs Tunisia:  Preview, probable lineups, prediction as Super Eagles aim to exude their dominance over the Carthage Eagles
EPL

“We believe in him” – Fulham head coach joins Carragher to laud Super Eagles star

6 hours ago
Nigeria Vs Tunisia:  Preview, probable lineups, prediction as Super Eagles aim to exude their dominance over the Carthage Eagles
Featured

No starts, no problem – Should Chukwueze be comfortable with being a bench player in Milan?

13 hours ago
Nigeria Vs Tunisia:  Preview, probable lineups, prediction as Super Eagles aim to exude their dominance over the Carthage Eagles
News

“It’s impossible” – Mourinho snubbed as Osimhen rejects Fenerbahce bid amidst Chelsea, Real Madrid interest

11 hours ago
Nigeria Vs Tunisia:  Preview, probable lineups, prediction as Super Eagles aim to exude their dominance over the Carthage Eagles
La Liga

“We know he’ll help us” – Everything Valencia’s Sporting Director said about Sadiq Umar

3 months ago

See other News

Comments 7

  1. Afuye says:
    3 years ago

    I hope complacency doesn’t come to play for SE and the deceit of covid 19 hit of the Tunisian team doesn’t speak overlook of Cartage Eagles at our own peril

    Reply
    • mugabe school of quotes says:
      3 years ago

      they overlooked and they got scored by msakni and they lost

      -kind regards rubbing it in your face

      Reply
  2. Hassan Tia says:
    3 years ago

    Super Eagles must be careful for set-pieces by defence when Tunisians attack, SE must keep the ball and press over Tunisians to bedivel thier accounts and tactics then SE can score many goals; Tunisian defence is shaky and weak , SE players must pass an easy balls for attackers, this mission must be handed to Joe Aribo and Iheancho or Nwakali, all players also must do this job.

    Reply
  3. Nate says:
    3 years ago

    If I was the Super Eagles Coach, I’ll start with the West Bromwich Albion Defender, Ajayi in place of Kenneth Omeruo..

    He is better composed in defence than Kenneth.

    Reply
    • Akora harun says:
      3 years ago

      Nigeria will by God’s grace win the game with Tunisia by 2 goals

      Reply
      • mugabe scool of quotes says:
        3 years ago

        sir your comment aged worse than spolt mil

        -kind regards a tunisian

        Reply
  4. mugabe scool of quotes says:
    3 years ago

    sir your comment aged worse than spoilt milk

    -kind regards a tunisian

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest

“We believe in him” – Fulham head coach joins Carragher to laud Super Eagles star

“It’s impossible” – Mourinho snubbed as Osimhen rejects Fenerbahce bid amidst Chelsea, Real Madrid interest

No starts, no problem – Should Chukwueze be comfortable with being a bench player in Milan?

“We need to start again”- Super Eagles goalie Maduka Okoye sets Udinese target

Premier League table after matchday 32: Where Ndidi, Iwobi, Onuachu, Aribo, and Aina’s clubs stand

Soccernet.ng

Copyright © 2024 Soccernet Media Limited.

Navigate Site

  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Journalist Charter
  • Advertise
  • Terms of Use

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • AFCON 2025
  • Leagues
    • EPL
    • NPFL
    • La Liga
    • Seria A
    • Ligue 1
  • Live Scores
  • Soccernet TV
  • Lifestyle

Copyright © 2024 Soccernet Media Limited.