The stage is set for a monumental clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) as Nigeria’s Super Eagles prepare to face Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles in a highly anticipated Group C decider this Saturday at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Morocco. This encounter isn't just another group stage match; it's a rivalry steeped in 64 years of history, controversy, and unforgettable moments, promising to be one of the tournament's most enthralling battles.

The rivalry between Nigeria and Tunisia began with drama in 1961 during qualifiers for the 1962 AFCON, with Nigeria winning the home leg but Tunisia being awarded a 2-0 win in the return match after Nigeria walked off the pitch in protest. Across all competitions, their head-to-head record is almost dead even: Tunisia with 7 wins, Nigeria with 6 wins, and 10 draws in 21 meetings. In six AFCON finals meetings, Nigeria holds a slight edge with three wins to Tunisia's one, but two of these matches ended in draws and went to penalty shootouts, with each side winning one. Notably, the 1978 AFCON third-place match also ended in chaos, with Nigeria awarded a 2-0 victory after Tunisia abandoned the game. Penalty shootouts have repeatedly defined their AFCON clashes, with Tunisia winning 5-3 on penalties in the 2004 semi-finals and Nigeria gaining revenge with a 6-5 shootout win in the 2006 quarter-finals.

A significant wound for Nigeria remains the 2021 AFCON Round of 16, where Tunisia eliminated the Super Eagles 1-0, thanks to a Youssef Msakni goal. That defeat, which also saw Alex Iwobi receive a first-half red card, still stings in Nigerian football circles, with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye reportedly not having recovered. Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi confirmed the team has discussed that painful defeat and is determined not to let history repeat itself, stating the players are fully prepared and viewing the tournament as an opportunity to correct past wrongs after missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.

Both teams enter this fixture with strong momentum, having secured vital opening-day victories. Nigeria defeated Tanzania 2-1, with goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman, while Tunisia displayed dominance with a 3-1 victory over Uganda, featuring a brace from Elias Achouri and Ellyes Skhiri's historic 100th AFCON goal for Tunisia. Nigeria boasts an impressive record of being unbeaten in seven straight AFCON group games since 2019, while Tunisia recently ended a four-match AFCON winless streak with their victory over Uganda, rediscovering their mojo at the perfect time.

Nigerian head coach Eric Chelle has kept his tactical cards close to his chest, hinting at two distinct approaches for the game: either ceding possession to Tunisia or adhering to his existing philosophy. Despite his secrecy, Nigeria is widely expected to shift from a 4-4-2 diamond to a 4-3-3 formation, prioritizing physical dominance and pace. The likely lineup for Nigeria includes Stanley Nwabali in goal; Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, and Zaidu Sanusi in defense; Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka (a strong possibility to start for his energy and tackling), and Alex Iwobi in midfield; and Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Osimhen leading the attack. Tunisia, under Sami Trabelsi, also has a formidable squad with players like Elias Saad, Hannibal Mejbri, and Ellyes Skhiri, with Elias Achouri emerging as a key attacking threat.

Key players to watch for Nigeria include Victor Osimhen, the continent's premier striker, who unleashed seven shots against Tanzania and is six goals away from equaling Rashidi Yekini's all-time Super Eagles scoring record. Ademola Lookman, fresh from a spectacular goal against Tanzania, and Alex Iwobi, Nigeria's creative engine with two assists and 18 chances created in AFCON, will be crucial. Defensively, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi are expected to form an impenetrable wall. For Tunisia, Elias Achouri, who scored twice against Uganda, and the dynamic Hannibal Mejbri will pose significant threats, alongside the experienced captain Ferjani Sassi controlling the midfield.

Adding to the intensity, tickets for the clash at the 40,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès have been completely sold out, setting the stage for one of the most atmospheric nights of the tournament. This sell-out has sparked debate about whether the crowd will primarily consist of Tunisian fans making the short flight or Moroccans supporting the Super Eagles. With both sides level on three points, a win for either team would all but guarantee automatic qualification to the knockout stages and provide a crucial psychological advantage. Tunisia captain Ferjani Sassi has declared his team will go all out for victory to secure the top spot in the group, aiming for a more favorable draw.

The match is scheduled for Saturday, December 27, with a kick-off time of 9:00 PM local time (8:00 PM GMT/WAT). Boubou Traore of Mali, known for frequently issuing yellow cards, will be the referee, with Senegalese official Issa Sy serving as the VAR. The game will be broadcast live across multiple platforms, including beIN Sports, SuperSport, Canal+ Afrique, NTA Sports 24 in Nigeria, and streaming options like TOD and beIN Connect. As the historic backdrop of Fès bears witness, this collision of titans is poised to be a monumental, absorbing spectacle that could define the destiny of both Eagles in AFCON 2025.