Tunisia head coach Sami Trabelsi has expressed confidence in his side’s chances of securing victory when they face Nigeria on Saturday, SportPremi reports.
The Carthage Eagles battle with the Super Eagles at the Fez Stadium later tonight in continuation of the ongoing 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.
The 2004 AFCON winners are full of confidence following a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Uganda in their opening match last Tuesday.
Ellyes Skhiri and Elias Achouri (2) were on target in the win, sending Tunisia top of group C after Nigeria had beaten Tanzania 2-1 earlier on the same day.
Both sides have three points after the first round of matches and the winner of this second group match is certainly likely to finish top of the group after match-day three.
Tunisia claimed bragging rights the last time both sides met at the African Cup of Nations, claiming a 1-0 win over Nigeria at the round of 16 stage at the 2021 edition in Cameroon.
The Super Eagles meanwhile, will set their sights on achieving revenge and also a top-spot finish in the group.
What Trabelsi said ahead of Nigeria clash
Sami Trabelsi will be eyeing a crucial victory against Nigeria as his side eye a second triumph at the African Cup of Nations.
The Carthage Eagles endured a dismal campaign the last time out, but are on course for a place in the knockout stages this time around.
“In the last game there was no real expression. When we play with only organised offense and defense, it decreases the performance of some players”, Trabelsi stated.
“Nigeria are strong offensively and defensively. All players will be involved, not only defenders. We focus only on the field; social media or past results will not affect us.
“Hazem is fit and doing better in training. There is no national team without weak points, and we have studied Nigeria’s. To go far, we must beat big teams.”
Tunisia defender Montassar Talbi also stated that his side are focused on securing top spot in the group, meaning they are confident of victory against Nigeria.
“I don’t think we are the favourites for tomorrow because Nigeria also did a really big game for the first game, and they are doing well”, the defender admitted.
“I think it will be a really good game. We are confident, we hope to make a good game. Maybe this is the final of the group, and we want to finish first, and hopefully we will do well. It will be a nice fight, but we hope to win.”
