AFCON
AFCON 2025: Tunisia Coach Samy Trabelsi Eyes Top Four — But Nigeria Stands in His Way
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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Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has praised Morocco’s King Mohammed VI for what he described as a powerful gesture of unity and reconciliation following the royal pardon granted to Senegalese supporters convicted over offences linked to the final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a statement released on Saturday, Motsepe expressed deep appreciation on behalf of CAF’s 54 member associations, hailing the Moroccan monarch’s decision as a demonstration of football’s ability to foster peace and solidarity across the continent.
“I would like to express our deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, for granting His Royal Pardon to the Senegalese supporters convicted of offences relating to the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025,” Motsepe stated.
The CAF president said the pardon reflected Morocco’s enduring commitment to African unity and highlighted football’s growing role as a bridge between nations and cultures.
“CAF has consistently emphasised its commitment to utilise football to contribute to uniting our people from different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds,” he said.
“The pardon by His Majesty King Mohammed VI is an uplifting and motivating illustration of the power of football to unite and bring our people together in Africa and worldwide.”
Motsepe also revealed that during recent visits to both Morocco and Senegal, he had been struck by the deep historical and cultural bonds shared by the two countries.
“I was amazed and impressed when I was briefed about the historic and extensive ties between the people of Senegal and Morocco,” he added.
The statement further reinforced Morocco’s rising influence within African football, especially after successfully hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading football destinations ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Motsepe also extended CAF’s best wishes to Africa’s representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence that the continent’s teams would perform strongly on the global stage.
Among the African nations mentioned were Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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By Kunle Solaja.
Former African champions Algeria and Zambia are set for an early showdown after the release of the Group I fixtures for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Algeria host Zambia on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, in what is expected to be one of the headline fixtures of the qualifying campaign, while Togo entertain Burundi in the group’s other opening tie.
The Desert Foxes are favourites to qualify, but Zambia’s growing consistency and Togo’s unpredictability could make the race highly competitive.
Algeria travel to Burundi on Matchday Two before facing Togo in back-to-back encounters across Matchdays Three and Four. Zambia also meet Burundi home and away during the same period.
The potentially decisive fixture comes on March 22, 2027, when Zambia host Algeria in a clash that could determine the final standings.
Group I Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Algeria vs Zambia
- Togo vs Burundi
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Zambia vs Togo
- Burundi vs Algeria
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Algeria vs Togo
- Zambia vs Burundi
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Togo vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Zambia
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Zambia vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Togo
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Togo vs Zambia
- Algeria vs Burundi
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By Kunle Solaja.
African heavyweights Senegal will launch their quest for another Africa Cup of Nations appearance with a home clash against Mozambique in Group J of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The Lions of Teranga, among the continent’s strongest teams in recent years, headline a group that also includes Sudan and Ethiopia.
Senegal host Mozambique on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, while Sudan tackle Ethiopia in the other opening encounter.
Senegal are strong favourites to dominate the group, but Sudan and Mozambique are expected to battle fiercely for qualification points.
The key fixtures may emerge in the double-header between Senegal and Sudan across Matchdays Three and Four, while Mozambique and Ethiopia also face each other home and away.
Senegal travel to Mozambique on Matchday Five before ending their campaign at home against Ethiopia on March 30, 2027.
Group J Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Senegal vs Mozambique
- Sudan vs Ethiopia
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Mozambique vs Sudan
- Ethiopia vs Senegal
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Senegal vs Sudan
- Mozambique vs Ethiopia
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Sudan vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Mozambique
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Mozambique vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Sudan
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Sudan vs Mozambique
- Senegal vs Ethiopia
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