AFCON 2025: Nigeria vs Tunisia - Eric Chelle to stick with opening game selection for clash with the Carthage Eagles

Eric Chelle’s team started their AFCON campaign on a good note following their 2-1 victory over Tanzania in the opening game.

Goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman did the damage on the Taifa Stars as they take a step closer to the knockout stage.

Following the opening game victory, they face a difficult side in Tunisia that also won their opening game.

Nigeria will be looking to get back at Tunisia after the Carthage Eagles eliminated the Super Eagles in the round of 16 of the 2022 AFCON tournament.

With revenge still on the mind of some of the Nigerian players, like Alex Iwobi, who was sent off in the game, we take a look at the possible line-up for the encounter.

The Super Eagles coach, Chelle, has always stuck to Stanley Nwabali despite his flaws heading into the AFCON competition. The Chippa goalkeeper is expected to retain his place in between the sticks for the game.

In defence, we expect the same set of players that started the game against Tanzania. Bright Osayi-Samuel should continue at right-back, with Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey forming the central defensive pairing and Zaidu Sanusi holding the left-back position.

The defence will need to be more at alert this time and engage the Tunisian attackers often, as they face a stronger opponent in this clash.

They will need to correct their mistakes against Tanzania, after having a lapse in concentration that led to the goal they conceded.

The midfield was as strong as it should have been against Tanzania and we expect the same setup when they face the Carthage Eagles.

Wilfred Ndidi will retain his place at the base of the midfield, while Alex Iwobi, Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze will be the attacking outlet for the team.

Chelle will approach the game in a 4-4-2 formation and his midfield will be arranged in a diamond shape.

Ndidi, sitting deep, with the Fulham stars sitting beside the defensive midfielder and the Atalanta forward playing in an advanced role.

This shape gives Iwobi the license to roam about and find the line-breaking passes that could free up Lookman in between the lines.

Moving to the front two, Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams are expected to lead the attack for the Super Eagles as they did against the Taifa Stars

Despite not scoring in the opening game, their physicality will be needed to pin down the Tunisian defenders and make channel runs behind the defence when the ball gets to Lookman.