Nigeria’s group-stage opponents at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) experienced sharply contrasting outcomes on Tuesday as Tunisia held Brazil to an impressive 1–1 draw while Uganda were comfortably swept aside 4–0 by hosts Morocco in Tangier, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles will face Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania in Group C at next month’s AFCON in Morocco.
While Nigeria were locked into crucial World Cup playoff action in Rabat against Gabon and DR Congo, their group rivals used the window to fine-tune preparations through friendlies.
Tunisia have already sealed World Cup qualification, whereas Uganda and Tanzania saw their campaigns end earlier in the cycle.
Nigeria’s own path closed on Sunday following defeat to DR Congo, meaning the Super Eagles will not feature at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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Tunisia earn historic result vs Brazil
In Lille, Tunisia produced one of their most disciplined performances in recent times, frustrating former world champions Brazil in a match that revealed more questions than answers for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Estevão’s well-taken penalty rescued the five-time world champions, but Brazil walked away with concerns over defensive structure, rhythm and finishing.
Tunisia struck first and did so with confidence. Energised by a vocal crowd, the North Africans approached the match with intensity, targeting Brazil’s left side. Full-back Abdi repeatedly troubled Wesley, and his incisive run and squared pass set up Mastouri for a composed 23rd-minute finish.
Brazil’s response was limited to intermittent flashes from Rodrygo and Estevão, while Vinícius Júnior struggled to influence proceedings. Tunisia, meanwhile, defended with discipline, pressing high when required and retreating in a compact block that prevented Brazil from establishing any flow.
Fortune intervened shortly before halftime. Following a collision between Militão and Bronn, the ball struck the Tunisian defender’s arm, leading to a VAR-awarded penalty. Estevão stepped up decisively to level.
Ancelotti reacted at the break, replacing Wesley and Cunha with Danilo and Vitor Roque. The changes improved Brazil’s tempo, but not their precision. Militão later hobbled off, and Brazil squandered a second penalty opportunity when substitute Lucas Paquetá sent his effort over the bar.
Estevão came closest late on, striking ... and seeing another penalty appeal waved away, but Tunisia held firm. The result is historic, the first time Tunisia have avoided defeat in three meetings with Brazil.
Uganda crumble as Morocco show firepower
Uganda endured a far tougher evening inside the Tangier Grand Stadium. A 4–0 defeat to Morocco highlighted the gulf in quality as the North Africans dominated from start to finish.
An Herbert Achayi own goal opened the scoring on four minutes, before Ismael Saibari, Soufiane Rahimi (penalty) and Bilal El Khannouss completed a commanding win.
Just days earlier, Tanzania, the third team in Nigeria’s AFCON group, fell 4–3 to Kuwait.
With AFCON 2025 now weeks away, Nigeria’s rivals have shown both vulnerabilities and strengths, offering early tactical clues ahead of group-stage battles.