The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 reaches a crucial stage this Saturday as Nigeria faces Tunisia in a Group C showdown at the Fez Stadium in Morocco. This match could determine which team tops the group and sets the tone for the knockout stages.

Kick-off Time: Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 9:00 PM (20:00 GMT)
How to Follow: Al Jazeera Sport will provide coverage starting at 17:00 GMT, with a live text commentary stream.

Nigeria’s Group Stage Performance

Nigeria opened their AFCON campaign with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania. Defender Semi Ajayi scored an early header, followed by a second-half strike from attacking midfielder Ademola Lookman. Despite the win, the Super Eagles were wasteful in front of goal, highlighting the need for Victor Osimhen to rediscover his scoring touch.

Key Nigerian Players:

• Victor Osimhen (Forward): Needs to step up after a subdued performance vs Tanzania.
• Samuel Chukwueze (Right Winger): Central to playmaking and attacking moves.
• Alex Iwobi (Left Winger): Provided the most goal-scoring chances.
• Ademola Lookman (Attacking Midfielder): Scored in the opener and poses a threat in attack.

Tunisia’s Group Stage Performance

Tunisia secured a strong start to the tournament, defeating Uganda 3-1. Goals came from Ellyes Skhiri and Elias Achouri, with Achouri scoring twice, demonstrating Tunisia’s attacking quality. The victory put Tunisia at the top of Group C on goal difference ahead of Nigeria.

Key Tunisian Players:

• Elias Achouri (Winger/Forward): Star player, scored a brace in the opening match.
• Ellyes Skhiri (Midfielder): Scored and contributed to controlling midfield.
• Hannibal Mejbri (Midfielder): Created the most chances, showcasing playmaking ability.

Group C Standings After First Round

Position	Team	Points	Goal Difference
1	Tunisia	3	+2
2	Nigeria	3	+1
3	Tanzania	0	-1
4	Uganda	0	-2

The top two teams from each group, along with the best four third-placed teams, advance to the Round of 16.

Previous Head-to-Head

Nigeria and Tunisia have faced each other 21 times across competitive and friendly matches. Tunisia has won 7 matches, Nigeria 6, and 8 ended in draws. Their most recent encounter was in the AFCON 2022 last-16, where Tunisia won 1-0.

Predicted Lineups

Nigeria (Predicted XI):
Stanley Nwabali (GK); Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfried Ndidi, Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman; Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams

Tunisia (Predicted XI):
Aymen Dahmen (GK); Yan Valery, Dylan Bronn, Montassar Talbi, Ali Abdi; Ferjani Sassi, Elyes Skhiri, Hannibal Mejbri; Elias Achouri, Hazem Mastouri, Elias Saad

Nigeria vs Tunisia: Tactical Outlook

• Nigeria: The Super Eagles need Osimhen to lead the line effectively, convert chances, and provide the cutting edge that was missing against Tanzania. Defensive solidity, particularly from Zaidu Sanusi at left-back, may require adjustments.
• Tunisia: Tunisia will look to exploit Nigeria’s defensive gaps with Achouri and Mejbri’s creativity. Maintaining midfield control through Skhiri and Sassi will be crucial to dominate possession.

Form Guide

Nigeria: W-L-L-W-W
Tunisia: W-W-D-L-D

AFCON 2025 Records

• Nigeria: 20 AFCON appearances; winners three times (last in 2013); runners-up five times.
• Tunisia: 21 appearances; winners in 2004; runners-up twice; marking 17 consecutive AFCON appearances in 2025.

Both teams will aim to finish top of Group C, setting up favorable matchups in the Round of 16. With talent on both sides, this clash in Fez, Morocco promises to be a thrilling encounter.