Nigeria and Tunisia will take their confidence into a decisive Africa Cup of Nations Group C encounter on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.
This is as key players from both Eagles publicly backed their teams to come out on top in what is shaping up to be one of the tournament’s early heavyweight clashes.
The Super Eagles and the Carthage Eagles meet at the Complexe Sportif de Fès with both nations level on three points following opening-day victories, knowing that a win will guarantee qualification for the knockout stages and secure top spot in the group with a game to spare.
Nigeria edged Tanzania 2-1 in their opening fixture, while Tunisia produced an assured 3-1 win against Uganda. On paper, the contest is finely balanced: Nigeria sit just one place above Tunisia (among African nations) in the most recent FIFA rankings, and their overall head-to-head record is near-even, with Tunisia holding seven wins to Nigeria’s six.
Tunisia also won the most recent competitive meeting between the sides, a 1-0 victory in the Round of 16 at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Yet, despite that recent history, belief is flowing freely from both camps.
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‘We are going to win the AFCON' – Onuachu sets Nigeria’s tone
Trabzonspor forward Paul Onuachu has revealed Nigeria’s ambition to go all the way at AFCON 2025, insisting the Super Eagles possess the depth and quality to beat any opponent in the tournament.
Nigeria’s campaign began with a hard-fought win over Tanzania, and Onuachu says the squad is fully focused on building momentum rather than looking too far ahead.
“Nigeria is a big country. Of course, Tunisia is also a football nation, but we have good players and a good squad to really take it to the next level,” Onuachu said.
“I think there are lots of strong teams. Coming here, we have it in the back of our mind that we are going to win the AFCON, but we have to take one game as it comes.”
The 31-year-old, who is joint top scorer in the Turkish Super Lig this season with 11 goals, came off the bench in Nigeria’s opening victory and is pushing for a more influential role against Tunisia.
Tounekti: ‘If we win tomorrow, we make a statement'
Tunisia, however, are equally convinced of their own credentials.
Celtic forward Sebastian Tounekti has acknowledged Nigeria’s quality but believes the Carthage Eagles are ready to strengthen their own ambitions with another victory.
“I think the expectation is really good. We are looking forward to a big game against a big nation,” Tounekti noted.
“We all know that we're going to meet a team who is really good with players who play at the highest level. So, for us it's all about making the game tomorrow to be good, you know, and hopefully it will be a good game.”
Tounekti also dismissed any idea that 2004 AFCON winners Tunisia boast a big advantage over three-time African champions, Nigeria.
“I don't feel that,” he said. “I feel like it's two nations who are really good, and if you take our team, you know, I think we've been doing some good over a while now.
“So, for us, we only have to focus about tomorrow, you know, that is going to be a hard game for sure. You know, I think they are one of the guys who can win. So for us, if we win tomorrow, I think we make a statement that we are also here to compete.”
Saturday’s match kicks off at 9pm Nigerian time.
