27 December 2025 at 20:00
Match Summary
Nigeria defeated Tunisia 3:2. The match was played in Africa Cup of Nations 2025. Goals were scored by V. Osimhen 44′, W. Ndidi 50′, A. Lookman 67′, M. Talbi 74′, A. Abdi 87′ (pen.). 3 yellow cards were shown. Nigeria had 59% possession while Tunisia held 41%. Nigeria had 15 shots (5 on target) compared to 8 (2 on target) for Tunisia. Nigeria made 3 substitutions, Tunisia made 2. VAR was involved: Penalty confirmed (Montassar Talbi 84′).
Match Events
Key match events between Nigeria and Tunisia — 5 goals and 3 cards recorded during the match.
assist: A. Lookman
assist: A. Lookman
assist: V. Osimhen
assist: H. Mejbri
Penalty
Match Statistics
Nigeria had 59% possession against Tunisia's 41%. Nigeria registered 15 shots (5 on target) while Tunisia managed 8 (2 on target). Corner kicks: 4–6. Fouls committed: 18–15.
Lineups
Nigeria lined up in a 4-3-1-2 formation, while Tunisia deployed a —.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Nigeria is 7.26, compared to 6.71 for Tunisia. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Nigeria's highest-rated starter is A. Lookman (7.82), while Tunisia's best-rated player is H. Mejbri (7.28).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Nigeria have contributed 11 goals and 11 assists this season, led by V. Osimhen (4G). Tunisia's starters account for 5 goals and 3 assists, spearheaded by E. Achouri (2G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Nigeria deploy 4 defenders rated 7.27 on average, against Tunisia's 4-man backline averaging 6.62. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Nigeria field 4 midfielders averaging 7.33, versus Tunisia's 4 rated 6.84. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Nigeria start 2 forward(s) averaging 7.03, compared to 2 for Tunisia averaging 6.85. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 58% for Nigeria and 47% for Tunisia. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Nigeria's starters have collected 11 yellow cards this season, compared to 4 for Tunisia. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Nigeria's starting XI is 27.8 (youngest: A. Adams (25), oldest: S. Ajayi (32)), while Tunisia average 28.0 (youngest: H. Mejbri (22), oldest: F. Sassi (33)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Nigeria's starters average 6 league appearances each, versus 4 for Tunisia. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: Éric Sékou Chelle
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Nigeria have recorded 4 wins, 2 draws and 0 defeats. Tunisia show 2 wins, 3 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Nigeria
Tunisia
Nigeria vs Tunisia Head to Head Results
Nigeria and Tunisia have met 4 times — Nigeria won 1, Tunisia won 1, with 2 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2016. A combined 6 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 1.50 per match (3 for the home side, 3 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 2 matches (50%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 0 games (0%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 1–1 in 2020.
1
Nigeria
2
Drawn
1
Tunisia
Recent Meetings (4)
API data: 15 Mar 2026