AFCON
Old Wounds, New Stakes: Nigeria and Tunisia Clash for AFCON Last-16 Spot
By Kunle Solaja
- *Tunisia triggers Nigeria’s first Expulsion and Disqualification
- *From Walkouts to Knockouts
- *A Rivalry Forged in Controversy
Nigeria and Tunisia will renew one of African football’s oldest and most combustible rivalries on Saturday when they clash in Fez in their second Group C match of the Africa Cup of Nations.
With both teams winning their opening fixtures, the stakes are unmistakable: victory will secure a Round of 16 ticket ahead of the final group games scheduled for 29 December. For two traditional heavyweights, it is another chapter in a rivalry that stretches back more than six decades and has rarely lacked drama.
The two nations, long regarded as the top seeds in Group C, first crossed paths in 1961 and have since met across virtually every major stage of African football — from World Cup and AFCON qualifiers to group matches, knockout rounds, quarter-finals and even losers’ finals. Few continental rivalries can match the breadth, intensity and historical weight of Nigeria versus Tunisia.
Certain dates have acquired symbolic resonance. January 23, in particular, remains etched in the collective memory of both camps. On that date in 2000, Nigeria overwhelmed Tunisia 4–2 in the opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations co-hosted by Ghana and Nigeria.
Twenty-two years later, Tunisia exacted revenge on the same day, eliminating Nigeria 1–0 in Garoua during the 2021 AFCON, which was eventually played in 2022.
Beyond goals and results, the rivalry has been shaped by controversy. Remarkably, both teams have staged walkouts against each other in competitive fixtures — incidents that remain among the most extraordinary in AFCON history.
Nigeria’s first walkout came during an Africa Cup qualifier against Tunisia on 10 December 1961 in Tunis.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) subsequently awarded the match to Tunisia. Years later, Tunisia responded in kind during the third-place match at the 1978 AFCON, walking out after Baba Otu Mohammed scored an equaliser for Nigeria to make it 1–1. CAF awarded that match to Nigeria.
The rivalry also occupies a unique place in Nigerian football history for less flattering reasons. Sports Village Square recalls that Nigeria’s first-ever player expulsion in an international match occurred against Tunisia. It was also in Tunisia that Nigeria suffered its first disqualification from a major competition.
These events trace back to the early 1960s, when both nations were making their first forays into continental football. During the qualifiers for the 1962 Africa Cup of Nations — the maiden AFCON entry for both teams — Nigeria defeated Ghana and advanced to face Tunisia for a place in the finals.
Nigeria won the first leg 2–1 in Lagos. In the return match in Tunis on 10 December 1961, the Green Eagles led 2–1 again after goals from Chukwumah Egwuonu and Patrick Noquapor. However, the match descended into chaos.
Before halftime, Egyptian referee Mohammed Hassan Helim sent off Nigerian full-back Alfred Achebe, who thus became the first Nigerian player expelled in an international match. In the 65th minute, Tunisia scored a controversial equaliser.
Nigerian players protested vehemently, alleging that Ridha Roubi had handled the ball in the penalty area before the referee ordered a drop ball that Chetali converted to make it 2–2, still leaving Nigeria ahead 4–3 on aggregate.
At the prompting of team officials, the Nigerian players staged a walkout, despite the objections of their Hungarian coach, George Varda. CAF later awarded the match 2–0 to Tunisia.
Nigeria’s football authorities, then operating as the NFA, protested with CAF, hoping for a reversal. Instead, the protest deepened the fallout.
When the matter was discussed at a CAF executive meeting in Ethiopia on 13 January 1962, it was referred to an extraordinary general assembly held three days later.
CAF took exception to the tone of the Nigerian letter, noting that some of its wording — including references to “segregation” — was unacceptable under international football regulations.
More than 60 years later, the scars of history remain, even as generations of players change. When Nigeria and Tunisia step onto the pitch in Fez on Saturday, they will not just be chasing qualification. They will be revisiting a rivalry forged in controversy, pride, revenge and unforgettable moments — one that continues to define African football’s rich and often turbulent past.
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The second round of group-stage matches at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is set to elevate the tournament from early promise to genuine intensity, with a run of heavyweight clashes and historic rivalries that could begin to define the path to the knockout stages from Friday.
After an opening round marked by goals, late drama and early statements of intent, the competition now moves into a phase where reputation, pedigree and psychology begin to matter just as much as form.
The first round produced 29 goals across 12 matches and six clean sheets, underlining a competition finely balanced between attacking ambition and defensive discipline. With margins already tight in most groups, the second set of fixtures arrives as a potential separator between contenders and chasers.
Several of Africa’s most decorated sides are set to collide over the next three days, while regional derbies add an extra edge to fixtures where pride often outweighs the points on offer.
Egypt vs South Africa: a familiar heavyweight duel
Friday’s meeting between Egypt and South Africa is one of the round’s headline encounters. These two sides share a long and often tense history at the Africa Cup of Nations, with their meetings frequently shaping tournament narratives.
Both teams opened with victories — Egypt relying once again on the decisive presence of Mohamed Salah, while South Africa edged past Angola through late composure and Lyle Foster’s calm finishing. With both sitting on three points, the contest carries significant weight in the battle for top spot in Group B.
Beyond the tactics, this is a clash defined by pedigree: seven-time champions against a side that has repeatedly proven capable of upsetting Africa’s elite.
With both sides opened with victories, and with attacking quality on both benches, the contest could prove decisive in determining who tops the group. Angola and Zimbabwe, beaten in their openers, face a must-win encounter earlier in the day.
Morocco at home, Mali loaded with talent
Later on Friday, hosts Morocco face Mali in a match layered with symbolism. Morocco arrive as Africa’s first-ever World Cup semi-finalists, buoyed by home support and early composure, but Mali bring a squad brimming with athleticism, intensity and technical quality.
Brahim Díaz’s goal in the opener signalled Morocco’s attacking threat, yet Mali’s midfield energy — driven by Lassine Sinayoko’s relentless work rate — ensures this will be far from routine. For Mali, a positive result would dramatically shift the balance in Group A. Zambia clash with Comoros in the group’s other game on Friday
Senegal vs DR Congo: power meets discipline
Saturday’s showdown between Senegal and DR Congo in Tangier promises another bruising encounter. Meetings between these sides have rarely lacked intensity, and both arrive with confidence after opening-round wins and clean sheets.
Senegal’s authority was underlined by Nicolas Jackson’s brace, while Iliman Ndiaye dictated tempo and movement. DR Congo, meanwhile, showed tactical maturity and defensive discipline, suggesting they will not be easily overrun.
With elite talent across both squads, this fixture could prove decisive in determining who controls Group D. Benin will take on Botswana in the group’s other game on the day.
Nigeria vs Tunisia: pedigree and pressure
Saturday night brings together Nigeria — finalists at the last AFCON — and a Tunisian side that arrived in Morocco with a flawless qualifying campaign and followed it up with an assured opening victory.
Nigeria’s win was built on composure and individual quality, with Ademola Lookman once again stepping up in key moments. Tunisia, powered by Mohamed Elias Achouri’s attacking efficiency, have shown a ruthless edge that makes them dangerous opponents for anyone.
This is a clash of two sides accustomed to tournament football — disciplined, streetwise and rarely overwhelmed by occasion.
Cote d’Ivoire vs Cameroon: rivals renewed
Sunday’s meeting between title holders Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon is steeped in history. As defending champions, the Elephants know victory would give them control of Group F, but Cameroon’s narrow opening win highlighted their trademark resilience.
These two perennial rivals have produced some of AFCON’s most explosive encounters, and with Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo already influential, the contest is rich with attacking quality and emotional charge.
Derbies and danger elsewhere
Beyond the glamour ties, the regional derby between Tanzania and Uganda adds another layer to the second round. Neighbours with deep familiarity, matches between the two are traditionally fiery, intense and unpredictable — often defying form and expectation.
Algeria’s clash with Burkina Faso also carries weight. Algeria’s emphatic opening display, led by Riyad Mahrez, meets a Burkina Faso side buoyed by late drama and belief. Both know victory would virtually secure qualification.
A tournament sharpening quickly
After one round, AFCON 2025 already feels unforgiving. Established contenders are being tested early, while emerging sides continue to show resilience and ambition.
As rivalries resurface and heavyweight squads collide, the second round promises not just entertainment, but clarity — revealing who is ready to go deep, and who may already be running out of room for error.
Second Round Fixtures (Group Stage)
Friday, 26 December
·12:30 GMT: Angola vs Zimbabwe – Group B
·15:00 GMT: Egypt vs South Africa – Group B
·17:30 GMT: Zambia vs Comoros – Group A
·20:00 GMT: Morocco vs Mali – Group A
Saturday, 27 December
·12:30 GMT: Benin vs Botswana – Group D
·15:00 GMT: Senegal vs DR Congo – Group D
·17:30 GMT: Uganda vs Tanzania – Group C
·20:00 GMT: Nigeria vs Tunisia – Group C
Sunday, 28 December
·12:30 GMT: Gabon vs Mozambique Group F
·15:00 GMT: Equatorial Guinea vs Sudan Group E
·17.30 GMT: Algeria vs Burkina Faso Group E
·20:00 GMT: Cote d’Ivoire vs Cameroon Group F
-Cafonline
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By Kunle Solaja.
History will be made on Friday in Marrakech when the Africa Cup of Nations stages its first-ever Boxing Day fixture, marking another unprecedented milestone in a tournament already redefining its own traditions.
Angola’s Group encounter with Zimbabwe will not only restart action after a rare Christmas Day pause but will also enter the records as the first Africa Cup of Nations match to be played on December 26. It will be the 789th match in the competition’s 68-year history, adding a new chapter to Africa’s premier football tournament.
The significance of the occasion is heightened by the fact that this edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is itself historic — the first to kick off in December and the first to stretch across two calendar years, with the final scheduled for January.
Despite that shift, the Confederation of African Football deliberately avoided scheduling any match on December 25, ensuring that Boxing Day, rather than Christmas Day, becomes the tournament’s festive landmark.
The stage was set on Wednesday night in Agadir, where Cameroon’s 1–0 victory over Gabon concluded all first-round group stage matches. That result cleared the way for the tournament to roll into its next phase, with Boxing Day serving as the symbolic restart.
The Angola–Zimbabwe match in Marrakech will headline a busy day of four fixtures across Morocco. Following the historic opener, Egypt will face South Africa in Agadir, Zambia will take on Comoros in Casablanca, and hosts Morocco will close the day with a high-profile clash against Mali in Rabat.
For players and fans alike, Boxing Day football — a tradition long associated with European leagues — now finds a place in African football’s biggest competition. The scheduling reflects both the evolving global calendar of the Africa Cup of Nations and its growing alignment with international football rhythms, while still preserving its distinct continental identity.
As the tournament moves beyond the group stage, the first Boxing Day fixture stands as a reminder that Morocco 2025 is not just about chasing the trophy but also about reshaping the historical landscape of African football.
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As torrential rains sweep across several host cities, the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has been unfolding under one of the most demanding weather backdrops in the competition’s history. Yet, while the skies have opened relentlessly, the pitches have held firm — a feat made possible by cutting-edge technology quietly operating beneath the grass.
A report by Moroccan publication Le 360 has lifted the lid on how the Kingdom of Morocco employed advanced pitch-management systems.
This technology, employed by Morocco, has become an unsung hero of AFCON 2025, ensuring that matches proceed without disruption despite prolonged and intense rainfall.
Technology Beneath the Turf
At the heart of this success is the SubAir system, a state-of-the-art drainage and aeration solution installed in key Moroccan stadiums.
Rain or shine, Morocco’s stadiums deliver as AFCON 2025 continues without disruption. Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Photo by Earth Photart via Pexels
Unlike traditional gravity-based drainage systems, which rely on passive water flow through slopes and filter layers, SubAir works dynamically, actively managing both water and air beneath the playing surface.
The system uses a network of pipes laid beneath the root zone of the natural grass, connected to pressure units fitted with industrial-grade pumps and high-efficiency fans.
These units allow grounds managers to manipulate pressure below the turf — either drawing water out or forcing air in — depending on prevailing conditions.
During heavy rainfall, SubAir switches into suction mode. Excess water is rapidly pulled through the soil pores into underground pipes, preventing waterlogging and stopping moisture from breaking through to the surface. The result is a pitch that remains firm, stable and playable even as rain continues to fall.
Built to Absorb the Deluge
The absorption capacity of the system is particularly striking. Beneath the pitches lie interlocking plastic modules that create vast underground cavities capable of temporarily storing between 600,000 and more than one million litres of water.
This reservoir-like structure allows for immediate drainage during downpours, followed by controlled filtration and gradual release of water — even under sustained torrential conditions.
Such capacity has proved vital at AFCON 2025, where several venues have been subjected to hours of continuous rainfall without compromising match schedules or playing standards.
SubAir’s role extends beyond water management. By reversing airflow, the system can inject oxygen directly into the root zone of the grass. This forced aeration improves root health, prevents asphyxiation, reduces soil compaction and supports rapid turf regeneration. The outcome is a dense, uniform playing surface that meets elite performance requirements across the entire pitch.
Passing the Ultimate Test
Since the tournament kicked off, the technology has passed its sternest examination. Despite persistent rain at multiple venues, no match has been delayed or abandoned due to pitch conditions.
Playing surfaces at the Grand Stade de Tanger, the Stade Olympique de Rabat, and the Moulay Abdellah Complex have consistently met — and in many cases exceeded — standards set by CAF and FIFA.
Players, coaches and officials have all benefitted from surfaces that allow for fluid football, accurate passing and reduced injury risk, even under adverse weather.
A Lasting AFCON Legacy
In an era where pitch quality has become a decisive factor in hosting international tournaments, Morocco’s investment in SubAir technology positions its stadiums among the technical benchmarks on the African continent. Beyond AFCON 2025, the infrastructure represents a long-term legacy — one aligned with the Kingdom’s broader ambition to host major global sporting events.
While goals, tactics and results dominate headlines, AFCON 2025 is also telling a quieter story — one of innovation beneath the surface, where technology, not the weather, is dictating the terms of play.
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