Head-to-head: How Super Eagles fared against 2025 AFCON group opponents in previous tournaments

Tosin Oluwalowo
7 Min Read
Okocha is challenged by Tunisia's Mehdi Nafti during the 2004 AFCON Semi-Final match. Photo: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. At first glance, it might seem like a favorable draw for the Super Eagles, but history suggests otherwise. These teams have all had their moments against Nigeria on the AFCON stage, and the Eagles would do well to tread carefully.

Uganda – The 1978 heartbreak

Uganda might not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking about Nigeria’s toughest opponents, but they have caused serious damage before. At the 1978 AFCON in Ghana, the Cranes stunned Nigeria 2-1 in the semifinals, a painful loss that denied the Eagles a shot at their first continental title. That Ugandan team, led by the legendary Philip Omondi, went on to finish as runners-up, while Nigeria settled for third place after Tunisia abandoned the third-place match in the 42nd minute.

Tanzania – A tough fight on debut

Nigeria’s only AFCON meeting with Tanzania came in 1980, a tournament the Eagles hosted for the first time. The Taifa Stars, featuring their highly-rated captain Leodegar Tenga and flamboyant goalkeeper Jona Pondamali, put up a spirited fight in the opening match but lost 3-1 to Nigeria in Lagos with Mohammed Lawal, Ifeanyi Onyedika and Segun Odegbami on target for Nigeria. The Super Eagles went on to win their first-ever AFCON title on home soil.

Head-to-head: How Super Eagles fared against 2025 AFCON group opponents in previous tournaments
Eagles with the 1980 AFCON title

Tunisia – A long, dramatic rivalry

Tunisia and Nigeria share one of AFCON’s longest-running rivalries, filled with dramatic moments and high-stakes encounters.

  • 1978 – The walkover controversy: Their first-ever AFCON meeting was in the third-place match of the 1978 tournament in Ghana. Just months earlier, Tunisia had crushed Nigeria’s dream of a 1978 World Cup debut, thanks to Godwin Odiye’s infamous own goal in Lagos. Seeking revenge, Nigeria fell behind to a Muhammed Akid strike in the 19th minute but equalised late in the first half through Baba Otu. However, Tunisia protested against the referee and refused to return for the second half, leading to a walkover victory for Nigeria. Tunisia was banned from the next AFCON.
  • 2000 – Kanu’s masterclass in Lagos: 2000 AFCON, co-hosted by Nigeria and Ghana, saw one of the most entertaining clashes between the two teams. In Nigeria’s opening match at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, Nwankwo Kanu put on a show, assisting Jay-Jay Okocha and Victor Ikpeba as Nigeria beat Tunisia 4-2. The Super Eagles reached the final, only to lose to Cameroon on penalties.
Head-to-head: How Super Eagles fared against 2025 AFCON group opponents in previous tournaments
Hat-trick hero Kanu against Tunisia at the 2000 AFCON. Photo Credit: Ben Radford /Allsport
  • 2004 – Tunisia’s heartbreak revenge: The 2004 AFCON semi-final saw Nigeria face Tunisia, who were hosting the tournament. Jay-Jay Okocha put Nigeria ahead from the penalty spot, retaking it after the referee spotted a Nigerian infringement into the penalty area after he had earlier scored. But Tunisia equalised with a penalty of their own, scored by captain Khaled Badra eight minutes to the end of regulation time. The match went to a shootout, where Ali Boumnijel saved a crucial penalty from Osaze Odemwingie, giving Tunisia a 5-3 win on penalties. The Carthage Eagles went on to win the tournament, while Nigeria finished third.
Head-to-head: How Super Eagles fared against 2025 AFCON group opponents in previous tournaments
Eagles after losing their semi-final match of the 2004 AFCON against Tunisia at the Rades stadium. Photo: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images
  • 2006 – Enyeama’s penalty heroics: Nigeria got revenge two years later in Egypt 2006, thanks to Vincent Enyeama’s goalkeeping brilliance. The Eagles took an early lead through Obinna Nsofor, but Tunisia equalised via a Karim Haggui header. Enyeama then saved a penalty during regulation time and stopped three more in the shootout, guiding Nigeria to a 5-3 win on penalties.
Head-to-head: How Super Eagles fared against 2025 AFCON group opponents in previous tournaments
Penalty hero Vincent Enyeama (R) jubilates with teammates Taye Taiwo (L) and John Mikel Obi (C) after saving the last penalty during the 2006 AFCON quarter-final match against Tunisia at Port Said staduim in Port Said, Egypt. Photo: RABIH MOGHRABI/AFP via Getty Images
  • 2019 – The bronze medal match: Odion Ighalo early goal was the difference in the third-place playoff at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, capitalising on a defensive mix-up to score and seal a 1-0 win for Nigeria and securing their eighth AFCON bronze medal.
Head-to-head: How Super Eagles fared against 2025 AFCON group opponents in previous tournaments
Ighalo of Nigeria scoring against Tunisia during the 2019 AFCON at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt. Photo: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
  • 2021 – Another painful exit: Their most recent AFCON meeting came in the Round of 16 at AFCON 2021 in Cameroon. Tunisia, struggling with COVID-19 cases and missing key players, still managed to outclass Nigeria, securing a 1-0 win thanks to Youssef Msakni’s long-range strike. That defeat ended Nigeria’s hopes in a tournament where they had looked like early favourites after topping their grouo with a maximum nine points following victories over Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau.
Head-to-head: How Super Eagles fared against 2025 AFCON group opponents in previous tournaments
Tunisia’s forward Youssef Msakni (L) fights for the ball with Nigeria’s midfielder Wilfred Ndidi during the 2021 AFCON round of 16 football match at Stade Roumde Adjia in Garoua. Photo: DANIEL BELOUMOU OLOMO/AFP via Getty Images

No easy games in Morocco

While the Super Eagles might seem like favourites on paper, history proves that all three of their group-stage opponents have caused them problems before. Uganda stunned Nigeria in 1978, Tanzania gave them a tough fight in 1980, and Tunisia has been a recurring rival with several high-stakes battles.

With 2025 AFCON set to take place in Morocco, the Super Eagles will need to be at their best from the very first game. If history is anything to go by, this won’t be a walk in the park.

© Bold Media Innovations & Creative Hub Limited. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.

Share This Article
Leave a Comment
Open chat
1
Hello. Do you want to keep receiving our stories via WhatsApp/Telegram? Send us a message!