Tunisian international and Celtic winger Sebastian Tounekti has forecasted a grueling physical and tactical struggle as the Carthage Eagles prepare to duel with Nigeria’s Super Eagles this Saturday. Both sides arrive at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixture in high spirits, having secured maximum points in their respective Group C openers against Tanzania and Uganda.
While Nigeria remains one of the tournament favorites, Tounekti views the encounter as the ultimate litmus test for Tunisia’s title credentials, suggesting that a victory over the West African giants would signal their intent to the rest of the continent.
The 23-year-old forward, who recently completed a high-profile move to the Scottish Premiership, noted that the North Africans have prioritized psychological focus ahead of the clash at the Fez Stadium. Despite Tunisia’s superior goal difference following their 3-1 win over Uganda, the squad remains wary of Nigeria’s attacking depth and world-class individual talent.
Tounekti emphasized that the Carthage Eagles must maintain a disciplined defensive structure while exploiting transition moments to destabilize the Super Eagles’ backline.
“I think the expectation is really good. We’re looking forward to a big game against a big nation. For us, we only have to focus on the match, you know, that is going to be a hard game for sure. You know, I think they’re one of the guys who can win. If we win against Nigeria, I think we make a statement that we are also here to compete,” Tounekti remarked during his pre-match media appearance in Morocco.
The highly anticipated fixture will kick off at 9:00 PM Nigerian time, serving as the centerpiece of Saturday’s AFCON schedule. As fans across the continent anticipate a classic encounter between two traditional powerhouses, the Tunisian camp appears ready to embrace their role as challengers. For Tounekti and his teammates, the objective remains clear: secure a result that not only guarantees a Round of 16 berth but also cements Tunisia’s status among the elite contenders for the 2025 trophy.
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