Former Nigeria international Ahmed Garba in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa expressed confidence the Super Eagles can finish top of Group C at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as they prepare for a crucial clash with Tunisia.
The North Africans currently lead the group on goal difference after opening their campaign with a 3–1 win over Uganda. Nigeria sit just behind them following a hard-fought 2–1 victory against Tanzania.
A familiar foe awaits #NGATUN #Naija4TheWin pic.twitter.com/9U59ObaAnr
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 26, 2025
With the group’s top two sides set to face off, there is both pride and a chance to take control of the group at stake, regardless of the outcome of the other fixture between Uganda and Tanzania.
Garba, fondly known as “Yaro Yaro”, believes the Super Eagles will show a much-improved performance compared to their first outing.
The Kano Pillars assistant coach hinted that Nigeria tend to look better against opponents who are more expansive in their approach.
“I understand how people felt after the first game, and they have every right to feel that way because of the quality we have in the team,” Garba exclusively told Footy-Africa. “When you play teams like Tanzania who set up mainly to contain the Eagles, it becomes difficult to express yourselves the way you want. That was why the game was cagey and tough, even though I expected the boys to be better”.
“Against Tunisia, the boys have to be brave and take the game to them. I remember our last meeting with Tunisia at the AFCON in Cameroon, where we won all our group games but ended up losing to them. That red card to Alex Iwobi was painful and played a big role in our defeat, even though I felt we were the better team on the day,” he added.
Garba believes memories of that loss will serve as extra motivation for the players who were part of the 2021 squad.
“I reckon the boys, especially those who were in Cameroon, will be fired up and seeking some form of revenge. I am sure it will be on their minds. I believe we will see a better performance against Tunisia, and the boys will take the three points and go top of the group,” he concluded.
AFCON 2025. Nigeria – Tunisia, where to watch the match, preview
Nigeria began their AFCON campaign with a 2–1 win over Tanzania, courtesy of goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman. The Super Eagles will face the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia on Saturday in Fez.
