AFCON 2025: ‘I don’t think we are the favourites’ - Tunisia defender downplays their chances against Super Eagles

The two African giants are set to clash at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Saturday night in a match that could prove decisive for the group's final standings.

The match revisits a painful memory for Nigerian fans after Tunisia's 1-0 victory in the Round of 16 at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon. 

That result abruptly ended the Super Eagles' tournament run, despite them having a perfect record in the group stage. 

Talbi, who played the entire match four years ago, was asked if that win gives his team an edge.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Talbi acknowledged the significance of the fixture while dismissing any notion that the Carthage Eagles hold a psychological advantage over their rivals.

"I don’t think we are the favourites for tomorrow because Nigeria also did a really big game for the first game, and they are doing well," Talbi stated. 

"I think it will be a really good game. We are confident, we hope to make a good game. Maybe this is the final of the group, and we want to finish first."

Talbi also pushed back against the idea that Tunisia is only now gaining respect across the continent, highlighting their consistent presence at major tournaments.

"We got our respect for a long time. I think we have achieved a lot recently," the Lorient defender added. 

"We have qualified for the last three World Cups, and even at the AFCON, we have done well. They respect us now. But we think we can go bigger, and we can do better."

The highly anticipated match is scheduled to kick off at 9 pm Nigerian time, with both teams fully aware of what is at stake in this crucial Group C battle.