Nigeria’s Super Eagles head into their second Africa Cup of Nations fixture with momentum after a 2-1 victory over Tanzania, but coach Eric Chelle is weighing tactical adjustments ahead of a crucial clash against Tunisia in Fez. With Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman on the scoresheet in the opener, Nigeria now face a Carthage Eagles side that edged Uganda in Rabat.
Tunisia arrive with confidence of their own, yet history favors Nigeria, who have won three of six previous AFCON meetings between the nations. The North Africans, however, claimed the most recent encounter at the 2021 tournament in Cameroon, when Youssef Msakni struck early in the second half to eliminate the Super Eagles in the Round of 16.
Qualification stakes are high. Victory for either side secures passage to the knockout stage with a game to spare. For Chelle, the decision is whether to persist with his preferred 4-4-2 diamond or adapt to counter Sami Trabelsi’s disciplined Tunisian setup. His comments ahead of the match reflected both caution and ambition, stressing intensity in training and the need to prepare for Tunisia’s blend of experience and youthful energy.
The Fez Stadium is expected to host a charged atmosphere, with Nigerian supporters buoyed by the opening win and Tunisian fans eager to see their side build on a solid start. Early exchanges are likely to hinge on midfield control, with Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka tasked to dictate tempo against Tunisia’s compact lines.
Key incidents from Nigeria’s opener highlighted both strengths and vulnerabilities. Ajayi’s aerial presence delivered the breakthrough, while Lookman’s sharp finish underlined attacking depth. Yet defensive lapses allowed Tanzania back into the contest, a warning Chelle cannot ignore against Tunisia’s clinical forwards.
Ajayi’s opener came from a well-delivered corner, his header powered beyond the goalkeeper. Lookman doubled the advantage with a composed strike after a swift counterattack. Tanzania’s response exposed gaps in Nigeria’s defensive transitions, setting the stage for Chelle’s tactical rethink.
The second half against Tanzania saw missed opportunities to extend the lead, with Victor Osimhen denied twice by sharp goalkeeping. Chelle’s side lost rhythm in midfield, a concern as Tunisia thrive on controlling possession and punishing turnovers.
Late drama in Rabat showed Tunisia’s resilience, with their narrow win over Uganda secured through disciplined defending and a decisive finish. Nigeria will need sharper concentration in the closing stages, where lapses could prove costly.
As the Super Eagles prepare for Tunisia, the match carries weight beyond qualification. It is a chance to avenge past disappointment, assert continental pedigree, and reinforce Chelle’s vision of Nigerian football under African leadership. A win would not only secure progress but send a statement of intent to the rest of the tournament.