AFCON 2025: We want to beat Nigeria — Tunisia captain eyes victory in Group C showdown

The Super Eagles of Nigeria take on Tunisia on Saturday evening in Group C's big game, as both teams look to seal qualification for the next round as group leaders.

Tunisia captain Sassi, believes that a win in this clash will significantly enhance his side's chances of securing the top spot in the group, which could lead to a more favourable draw in the knockout stages.

Under the guidance of head coach Sami Trabelsi, Tunisia currently occupy first position in Group C on goal difference, following their impressive 3-1 rout of Uganda in the tournament opener.

While Tunisia have momentum coming into this match, history suggests a difficult task lies ahead.

The Super Eagles have a superior head-to-head record against the Tunisians at the Africa Cup of Nations, boasting four wins to Tunisia’s two. However, the memories of the 2021 AFCON, where Tunisia came out victorious in the Round of 16, remain a stark reminder of the threat the North Africans pose.

Saturday’s encounter at the Complexe Sportif de Fès has been widely tagged as the standout fixture of the group stage, with both teams having won their opening matches.

Sassi made it clear that the goal for Tunisia is to beat the three-time African champions to the summit of the group.

“I think it will be a really good game and like I said we are confident because this could be the final of the group stage,” Sassi said during his interaction with the media.

“We want to finish first and hopefully tomorrow we will do well.

”The match, which kicks off on December 27, is expected to be a tactical battle between Nigeria’s Eric Chelle and Tunisia’s Sami Trabelsi.

With both nations eyeing an early ticket to the Round of 16, the stakes could not be higher in Fès.