Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo has issued a stern warning to Nigeria’s national team ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations clash against Tunisia on Saturday, emphasising that the Carthage Eagles present a significantly more technical challenge than their opening opponents.
The 31-year-old defender, who was instrumental in Nigeria’s 2013 AFCON triumph, stressed the importance of maintaining tactical discipline when both teams meet at the Fez Stadium in Morocco. With both nations having secured victories in their opening Group C fixtures, Saturday’s encounter has become a potential decider for automatic qualification to the knockout stages.
“It’s an important game. If we win, we go into the next round, but we have to be careful because Tunisia are more technical than our last opponents,” Omeruo stated in an interview with PUNCH Sports Extra. “We will always play to win, but I don’t expect anything short of good football as well.”
Nigeria launched their 2025 AFCON campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania, courtesy of goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman. However, Tunisia’s opening performance proved even more emphatic, as they dismantled Uganda 3-1, showcasing the attacking prowess and tactical organisation that Omeruo has highlighted as potential danger areas.
The warning from the experienced defender carries considerable weight, given his pedigree at Africa’s premier football competition. During Nigeria’s successful 2013 campaign in South Africa, Omeruo formed part of a formidable defensive unit under coach Stephen Keshi, playing alongside Joseph Yobo, Elderson Echiéjilé, and Godfrey Oboabona. That tournament saw Nigeria claim their third continental title, with the defence playing a pivotal role in the triumph.
Saturday’s match at the 40,000-capacity Fez Stadium represents more than just three points for both teams. A victory would guarantee passage to the round of 16 with one group match still remaining, providing valuable rest opportunities and tactical flexibility for the knockout stages. For Nigeria, it would also mark a significant psychological boost, having struggled against North African opposition in recent tournaments.
Tunisia’s technical approach has long been a hallmark of their footballing identity. The Carthage Eagles typically employ a possession-based system that emphasises short passing, positional rotation, and exploiting spaces between defensive lines—attributes that contrast with Tanzania’s more direct style in Nigeria’s opening fixture.
The historical rivalry between Nigeria and Tunisia adds another layer of intrigue to Saturday’s encounter. Both nations have established themselves as African football powerhouses, with their previous meetings often producing closely contested affairs decided by fine margins. The tactical chess match between the two technical teams promises to provide a stern test of Nigeria’s ambitions to reclaim continental glory.
Omeruo’s emphasis on caution suggests that the Super Eagles’ technical staff are fully aware of Tunisia’s capabilities. The defender’s experience from Nigeria’s last AFCON triumph provides him with unique insight into what it takes to navigate the tournament’s challenges successfully, making his assessment particularly relevant for the current squad.
According to the Confederation of African Football’s official statistics, Tunisia have consistently ranked among the continent’s most technically proficient teams, with their passing accuracy and ball retention typically exceeding 70 per cent in major tournaments. This statistical profile supports Omeruo’s characterisation of them as a more technical opponent compared to Tanzania.
Nigeria’s coaching staff will likely heed Omeruo’s warning by implementing specific tactical adjustments to counter Tunisia’s technical strengths. This may include increased midfield pressing to disrupt Tunisia’s build-up play, tighter marking of key playmakers, and maintaining defensive compactness to limit spaces between the lines.
