AFCON 2025: Super Eagles and Carthage Eagles Set for Battle of Supremacy in Fes

FES, Morocco The stakes have been raised in Group C of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as Nigeria’s Super Eagles prepare to lock horns with the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia on Saturday night. With both sides securing victories in their opening fixtures, this showdown at the Complexe Sportif de Fès is widely seen as the decider for group leadership. Kick-off: 9:00 PM (WAT) The Stakes: Battle for Group C Saturday’s fixture is more than just a group stage formality; it is a battle for momentum. Both nations come into the tie on 3 points, but Tunisia currently sits atop the group on goal difference following their commanding 3-1 victory over Uganda. Nigeria follows closely in second after a gritty, if slightly wasteful, 2-1 win against Tanzania. A win for either side would all but guarantee a spot in the Round of 16 and, crucially, a potentially easier path in the knockout stages. Team News & Tactical Outlook Nigeria (The Super Eagles) Head Coach Eric Chelle has hinted at tactical adjustments to counter Tunisia’s disciplined low block. While the defense remains anchored by Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, the spotlight is firmly on the attack. Victor Osimhen, the Galatasaray talisman, is yet to open his account in the tournament and will be hungry to make his mark. He will be supported by Ademola Lookman, whose spectacular strike against Tanzania secured the three points on Matchday 1. Captain Wilfred Ndidi has declared the team “pressure-free” but emphasized the need for clinical finishing—something that was lacking in their opener where they squandered four big chances. Tunisia (The Carthage Eagles) Tunisia arrives with confidence and a “bogey team” reputation against Nigeria. Coach Sami Trabelsi’s side looked imperious against Uganda, with Elias Achouri netting a brace. The North Africans are expected to rely on their traditional strengths: a compact midfield led by Ferjani Sassi and Hannibal Mejbri, and rapid transitions to punish any Nigerian defensive lapses. The "Revenge" Narrative History adds a layer of tension to this fixture. Nigerian fans have not forgotten the heartbreak of AFCON 2021, where a solitary Youssef Msakni goal in the Round of 16 sent a high-flying Nigerian side packing. "We don't want to think about the past, but we have spoken about it," Captain Wilfred Ndidi admitted in the pre-match presser. "We want to face this new team, but we are determined to ensure history does not repeat itself." Key Battles to Watch - Osimhen vs. Talbi & Meriah: Nigeria’s aerial dominance against Tunisia’s physical center-backs will be pivotal. - The Midfield Engine Room: Can Iwobi and Ndidi outmaneuver the experienced Sassi and Skhiri? - Elias Achouri's Pace: Tunisia’s dangerman will test the recovery pace of Nigeria's full-backs, likely Zaidu Sanusi and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Match Details - Competition: Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 - Group C - Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025 - Venue: Complexe Sportif de Fès, Morocco - Time: 9:00 PM (Nigeria Time) / 8:00 PM (GMT) Prediction This promises to be a tighter affair than the opening games. Tunisia’s organization typically frustrates Nigeria, but the Super Eagles possess superior individual firepower. - Forecast: A tactical 1-1 draw or a narrow 2-1 victory for Nigeria if Osimhen finds his scoring boots early.