As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations heats up in Morocco, the Super Eagles of Nigeria are preparing for a match that could define their tournament trajectory. Striker Paul Onuachu and midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru have expressed unwavering confidence ahead of Saturday’s critical Group C showdown with Tunisia, framing it as a test of Nigeria’s championship credentials.
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Speaking from the team’s base in Fès, Onuachu, the towering forward known for his aerial prowess, emphasized the squad’s collective mindset. “We respect Tunisia—they are a formidable side with a rich AFCON history—but we are here with a singular ambition,” he stated. “Nigeria is a football nation that carries the weight of expectation. That expectation isn’t a burden; it’s the fuel that drives us to believe we can win this tournament.” His comments underscore a shift from mere participation to a targeted pursuit of a fourth continental title, a mentality crucial for navigating the pressures of knockout football.
Onuachu’s point about taking the tournament “one match at a time” is a classic sporting cliché, but in the context of AFCON, it carries profound strategic weight. The tournament is notoriously unpredictable, with intense heat, passionate crowds, and tactical surprises often levelling the playing field. His focus on incremental progress reveals a mature approach to tournament management, where emotional consistency is as vital as technical skill.
Midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru echoed this sentiment, highlighting the intrinsic motivation of competing on Africa’s biggest stage. “Just being at AFCON is a huge motivation,” he said, a statement that resonates with any player who has witnessed the tournament’s electrifying atmosphere. He identified the Tunisia match as “crucial” for Nigeria’s goal of topping Group C—a position that typically ensures a theoretically easier path in the knockout rounds.
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Dele-Bashiru’s remarks on his versatility offer a deeper insight into modern squad dynamics. “I have played in many positions in my career. Wherever the coach wants me, I will play and try my best,” he noted. This adaptability is a priceless asset in tournament football, where injuries, suspensions, and tactical adjustments are constant. A player capable of slotting into multiple roles—whether as a box-to-box midfielder, a deeper playmaker, or even in a wide role—effectively gives the coach additional tactical options without using a substitution.
The upcoming fixture is layered with narrative. Both teams won their opening matches—Nigeria a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania, and Tunisia a commanding 3-1 win against Uganda. This sets up a direct battle for group supremacy. While Nigeria holds a slight historical edge in AFCON meetings, the memory of Tunisia’s 1-0 victory in the 2021 edition serves as a potent reminder that past records offer no guarantees.
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The tactical duel will be fascinating. Tunisia, known as the “Carthage Eagles,” are typically organized, physically robust, and dangerous on the counter-attack. Nigeria, brimming with individual talent, will need to balance their attacking flair with the discipline both players emphasized. Dele-Bashiru’s final point is perhaps the most salient: “We must treat every game the same way, stay focused, respect our opponents, and follow the coach’s plan.” In a match of fine margins, the team that best executes its predefined strategy, maintains defensive shape, and capitalizes on key moments will likely emerge victorious.
This clash in Fès is more than just a group stage match; it’s a statement opportunity. For Nigeria, a win solidifies their status as genuine contenders and takes control of the group. For Tunisia, it would be a massive step toward knockout qualification and a repeat of their recent success against the Super Eagles. The confidence emanating from the Nigerian camp suggests they are ready for the challenge, understanding that the path to AFCON glory is built on winning such high-stakes encounters. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
