Nigeria vs Tunisia: Coach Soltane confident as North Africans seek first win over Flying Eagles in 44 years

The 30 June Stadium in Cairo is set for a thrilling Group B showdown on Thursday as Nigeria’s Flying Eagles take on Tunisia’s Eagles of Carthage in the opening round of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Footynaija.com reports.

Both sides are familiar foes at this level, having met five times previously.

Nigeria hold the edge with three wins to Tunisia’s one, while one encounter ended in a draw. Tunisia’s only victory over the Flying Eagles was in 1981 – a 44-year wait for a win over the dominant West Africans.

The Flying Eagles are the tournament’s most successful side, with seven titles from sixteen semi-final appearances. Tunisia, meanwhile, are returning to the competition under unusual circumstances after a late invitation.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Tunisia head coach Abdelhai Ben Soltane acknowledged his team’s unexpected entry into the tournament.

“We performed well in the qualifiers but didn’t qualify. Fortunately, we got the chance to participate as replacements for Ivory Coast after the tournament was moved to Egypt,” Ben Soltane said. “Now, we are here to win the title and secure a spot at the World Cup.”

|| The Flying Eagles of #Nigeria begin the hunt for the 8th U-20 AFCON title against Junior Carthage Eagles.

Nigeria (U20) vs Tunisia (U20).

⏳ 4:00PM.

️ 30 June Stadium, Cairo.

Happy hunting to the boys .

© @DagaShotz#U20AFCON pic.twitter.com/xZfnLZHT7G

— ROBERT OLIMENE (@Robert_DMaverik) May 1, 2025

The Tunisian coach also noted the advantage of playing in Egypt.

“We seek to benefit from hosting the tournament in Egypt, based on Egypt’s extensive experience in organizing major events, as well as the similarity of customs and traditions between Egypt and Tunisia,” he added.

Looking ahead to the crucial clash with Nigeria, Ben Soltane made it clear that his side has done its homework.

“We’ve studied Nigeria’s strengths and weaknesses. We know they want a strong start, just like us,” he said.

Tunisia have never lifted the U20 AFCON, coming close in 1985 when they lost to Nigeria in the final.