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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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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