2025 AFCON: We can handle Super Eagles — Tunisia coach

Head coach of Tunisia, Sami Trabelsi, has said that the Carthage Eagles are battle-ready to face one of the strongest teams on the continent, Nigeria’s Super Eagles, today.

Both sides clash today in a Group C fixture at the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The game to be handled by a Malian referee, Boubou Traore, is scheduled to kick off at 9:00 pm Nigeria time, at the 35,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fèz, while a win for either side would guarantee straight qualification for the round of 16.

Super Eagles defeat Tanzania 2-1 in AFCON opener

The Carthage Eagles, following their 3-1 victory over the Cranes of Uganda, are leading Group C with three points and a two-goal advantage against Nigeria, who defeated Tanzania 2-1 in the opener.

“Playing the second match after winning the first one is certainly a big motivation for the players and gives them greater confidence.

“Tomorrow we face one of the strongest national teams in Africa. We are determined to achieve a positive result that will help us qualify for the next round before the final group match against Tanzania,” Trabelsi was quoted as saying by foot-africa.com.

When asked whether he had a strategy to deal with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Simon Moses and other Nigerian forwards, Trabelsi stressed that Tunisia bank on collective discipline and organisation to handle their opponents.

The 57-year-old tactician also dismissed whether Tunisia’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, unlike Nigeria, gave his side an edge.

“Our qualification for the World Cup and Nigeria’s failure to qualify gives us no advantage. We don’t deal with assumptions. We deal with seriousness and focus in every match and against every opponent.

“We must be focused. We need to maintain a high level of concentration against any opponent and any type of player in any team.

“We are a team known for a collective approach at all levels, both defensively and offensively. We will deal with all the players and all the stars present in the Africa Cup of Nations with the same discipline.

“Nothing will be exceptional for any player, but there will be collective defensive and offensive organisation. The national team’s performance means some important players will be less effective.

“The most important thing is to maintain focus and discipline on the pitch and to build on the winning spirit within the team. The journey in this competition is still long. We must move step by step without thinking too far ahead,” Trabelsi said.

Recall that when both sides last met in the tournament, the 2021 edition, Tunisia outclassed Nigeria 1-0 in the round of 16 clash through captain Youssef Msakni’s long-range shot.