AFCON 2025: Nigeria to Face Tunisia, Others, See Teams’ Strength

As the stage is set for the African Cup Of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco, Group C stands out as one of the most competitive groups, featuring the Super Eagles of Nigeria, alongside Tanzania, Uganda, and Tunisia. Each team brings a unique style of play, a different tactical approach, and aspirations to advance beyond the group stage.

Here, we take a closer look at the Nigerian Super Eagles opponents in the upcoming AFCON tournament to be hosted in Morocco, exploring and analyzing their performances, tactics, strengths, and weaknesses.

Tanzania

Tanzania, though not traditionally a powerhouse in African football, has shown significant improvement in recent years. Their qualification for AFCON 2025 marked their second consecutive appearance, signaling a rise in their footballing ambitions. The Taifa Stars have worked hard to shed their underdog status, and their recent performances suggest they could be a tricky opponent for Nigeria.

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Tanzania relies heavily on a compact defensive structure and swift counterattacks. Under coach Hemed Morocco, the team has adopted a pragmatic approach, focusing on frustrating opponents with deep-lying defenses before launching quick transitions. Captain Mbwana Samatta, a seasoned striker, remains their most potent attacking threat, supported by Simon Msuva on the flanks.

Since they are not a traditional powerhouse in African football and one of the underdogs in the edition of this tournament. Tanzania will likely struggle when key players are unavailable. While they can put up spirited performances, they often falter under pressure against stronger teams and defending set-pieces remains a glaring weakness.

Uganda

The Cranes of Uganda have grown into one of Africa’s most disciplined sides. They reached the knockout stages of AFCON 2019 and are making their return after missing out in 2021 and 2023. Their ability to deliver consistent results in qualifiers showcases their resilience.

Uganda is known for its physicality and disciplined defensive organization. Coach Paul Put emphasizes a structured 4-4-2 formation, with a focus on teamwork and compactness. Emmanuel Okwi provides creativity and leadership in attack, while Khalid Aucho anchors the midfield with his tenacious ball-winning abilities.

Despite their physicality especially in the defense the Cranes often struggle to convert chances into goals, due to limited attacking options. Moreover, the over-reliance on defensive tactics, will make them to be very careful, making it difficult to chase games when in a losing position and their rigid structure can be exploited by teams with dynamic attacking movements.

Tunisia

Tunisia, the 2004 AFCON champions, are one of Africa’s most consistent performers, regularly reaching the latter stages of the competition. They have qualified for every AFCON since 1994, underlining their pedigree and experience at this level.

The Carthage Eagles are renowned for their tactical discipline and fluid attacking football. Coach Faouzi Benzarti has continued their tradition of blending possession-based play with incisive counterattacks. Players like Youssef Msakni and Wahbi Khazri are instrumental in their creative play, while midfielder Ellyes Skhiri provides balance and defensive solidity.

Tunisia often deploys a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 system, emphasizing quick transitions, intelligent pressing, and exploiting spaces between the lines. Their well-organized defense is marshaled by Montassar Talbi, making them difficult to break down.Regardless of their recent rich records in African football, Tunisia can sometimes concede against the run of play. In addition, their dependence on experienced players and aging stars like Khazri may struggle with the intensity of consecutive games. Although they have held victories against physical teams but they can as well struggle against highly physical sides like Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Chances and Challenges

The Super Eagles, led by the newly appointed coach Eric Chelle, will need to be at their best to navigate this tricky group. With stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Boniface, Alex Iwobi, Troost-Ekong and Wilfred Ndidi, Nigeria boasts one of the most talented squads in Africa. However, their success to advance to later stages of the competition will depend on their ability to adapt to the different playing styles of their opponents.

Nigeria against Tanzania must dominate possession and use their superior attacking quality to break down Tanzania’s stubborn defense. While facing Uganda must rely on physicality and aerial ability will be key to overcoming Uganda’s defensive organization. Coming to Tunisia which will be the most difficult match for the Super Eagles based on their loss when they faced the Carthage Eagles in Cameroon, they must sustain tactical discipline and creativity will be vital in outsmarting Tunisia’s compact and technical style.

Conclusion

Group C promises to deliver thrilling encounters. While Nigeria is the favorite to top the group, the Super Eagles cannot afford complacency. Each opponent presents a unique challenge, and only through tactical flexibility, focus, and clinical execution can Nigeria advance as a genuine contender for the AFCON 2025 title. The stage is set, and the Super Eagles must rise to the occasion.