As the countdown to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco gathers pace, Tunisia’s head coach Samy Trabelsi has set his sights on nothing less than a semi-final finish — a target that could put him on a collision course with Nigeria’s Super Eagles, one of their group opponents.

The Carthage Eagles have arrived at the tournament with a fearsome record: 22 goals scored and none conceded during their World Cup qualifying campaign.

That run has made Tunisia one of the continent’s form teams — and, on paper, one of the toughest nuts for Nigeria to crack in Group C, which also features Uganda and Tanzania.

Trabelsi, who previously led Tunisia at the 2013 AFCON and was a losing finalist as a player in 1996, says his team is no longer content with just participating.

“We’re not here to send messages to anyone,” he told CAFOnline.com. “We respect all our opponents, including Nigeria, but our goal is to compete seriously and aim for a top-four finish — and, if possible, more.”

The 56-year-old coach, who once guided Tunisia to the African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in 2011, has built his side around defensive organisation and swift, structured counterattacks. His approach has earned Tunisia the nickname “the Italians of Africa”, a reputation they intend to reinforce in Morocco.

Nigeria, on the other hand, are expected to test that famed Tunisian discipline with their wealth of attacking options, from Victor Osimhen to Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze. For Trabelsi, however, the Super Eagles’ pedigree only adds to the motivation.

“Nigeria remains a continental powerhouse, with a vast pool of talent in top European clubs,” he said. “But AFCON is unpredictable. You can never take anything for granted.”

The Tunisian tactician is counting on experience and cohesion to make the difference. Veterans like Youssef Msakni, Ellyes Skhiri, and goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said are expected to anchor a squad blending youth and experience.

“To win trophies, you need something extra,” Trabelsi admitted. “Tunisia has been consistent — qualifying for almost every AFCON and several World Cups — but consistency must now translate into success.”

For Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who are seeking to reclaim the continental crown last won in 2013, Tunisia’s resurgence is both a warning and a challenge.

The two nations have developed a fierce rivalry over the years, with Tunisia famously knocking Nigeria out of the 2004 AFCON on penalties in Rades, before Nigeria exacted revenge in later editions.

This time, both teams meet again in Morocco — in a group that could easily produce surprises. Yet, for Trabelsi, the message remains clear: Tunisia are in Morocco not just to compete, but to win.

“I’d love to see the headline, ‘Congratulations to Tunisia — a strong campaign rewarded,’” he said confidently.

Whether that headline comes to pass may depend on how his “Italians of Africa” handle the pace, flair, and firepower of Nigeria’s Super Eagles — a team equally determined to soar back to the top of African football.

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No fewer than five clubs in the Nigeria Premier League will be eliminated this week from the President Federation Cup.

At the moment, 11 of the 17 premier league clubs are on course as the knock-out competition gets to the Round of 32.

Undoubtedly, the non-application of seeding has seen five fixtures pitching the top clubs together while another five pitched lower division clubs against one another.

The remaining six pairings have premier league clubs facing lower ranked teams. These include: relegation-threatened Akwa United facing Zamfara United in Abuja and Gombe United facing former top division sides, El-Kanemi Warriors in Kaduna.  

Another ‘mixed fixture’ will see Premier sides, Kwara United facing Warri Wolves while Abia Warriors will face Sporting Supreme of the FCT.

Premier sides, Bendel Insurance will face Wikki Tourists of Bauchi as Enyimba are pitched against Akwa Ibom’s FC Rockets.

But nothing is guaranteed to the Premier League sides as knockout competitions are replete with underdogs upstaging power houses.

No matter the situations, five of the Premier League are doomed for elimination. Former champions Lobi Stars and Shooting Stars in a “Star War” in Awka.

Plateau United and  Sunshine Stars are meeting in Abuja just as Rivers United will face fellow Premier League sides, Niger Tornadoes in Auchi.

Katsina United and Bayelsa United will play in Abuja while Doma United face  Kano Pillars in Bauchi.

MEN’S ROUND OF 32 FIXTURES

Bendel Insurance (Edo) Vs Wikki Tourists (Bauchi) – Abuja Area 3 – 22/05/24 – 4pm

EFCC FC (FCT) Vs Edel FC (Anambra) – Ilorin – 22/05/24 – 4pm

ABS FC (Kwara) Vs Kebbi United (Kebbi) – Abuja Goal Project – 23/05/24 – 4pm

Akwa United (Akwa Ibom) Vs Zamfara United Feeders (Zamfara) – Abuja Bwari – 23/05/24 – 4pm

Gombe United (Gombe) Vs El-Kanemi Warriors (Borno) – Kaduna – 22/05/24 – 4pm

Lobi Stars (Benue) Vs Shooting Stars (Oyo) – Awka – 22/05/24 – 4pm

Ikorodu City (Lagos) Vs Coal City (Enugu) – Benin City – 23/05/24 – 4pm

Hammola Int’l (Osun) Vs Inter Lagos (Lagos) – Ibadan – 22/05/24 – 4pm

Warri Wolves (Delta) Vs Kwara United (Kwara) – Enugu – 22/05/24 – 4pm

Abia Warriors (Abia) Vs Sporting Supreme (FCT) – Benin City – 22/05/24 – 4pm

Nasarawa United (Nasarawa) Vs Sokoto United (Sokoto) – Kano – 22/05/24 – 4pm

FC One Rocket (Akwa Ibom) Vs Enyimba FC (Abia) – Yenagoa – 22/05/24 – 4pm

Plateau United (Plateau) Vs Sunshine Stars (Ondo) – Abuja Goal Project – 22/05/24 – 4pm 

Rivers United (Rivers) Vs Niger Tornadoes (Niger) – Auchi – 22/05/24 – 4pm

Katsina United (Katsina) Vs Bayelsa United (Bayelsa) – Abuja Bwari – 22/05/24 – 4pm

Doma United (Gombe) Vs Kano Pillars (Kano) – Bauchi – 22/05/24 – 4pm