U-20 AFCON: Nigeria vs Tunisia- Five Tunisian players who can stop Nigeria

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria will take on Tunisia in their opening game of the 2025 CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday, May 1 at the 30 June Stadium, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria have pedigree on the continent, but the fixture looks pretty tight, as both teams have some young, exciting talents. Hence, it might be a bit difficult to predict.

While Nigeria coach Aliyu Zubairu has some players on his team who currently ply their trades abroad, some of the Junior Carthage Eagles play their trades in Europe or other top teams in North America.

In this piece, Soccernet.ng spotlights five Tunisian players that could make it difficult for the Flying Eagles to get a win on Thursday.

Khalil El Ayari

Khalil El Ayari wears the number 10 shirt for Tunisia, and when a player wear that number, you know he can offer a lot in the final third.

The 20-year-old winger is a homegrown talent, as he plays for Tunisian club Stade Tunisien. He is quick and is never afraid to shoot with his wicked left foot, so he could pose some problems for the Flying Eagles defence. Coach Zubairu would have to take note of him.

Youssef Becha

Youssef Becha is the most expensive player on the team, as he is valued at €500k per Transfermarkt. And it not surprising because he is the main man in the final third.

He can operate as a left winger, an attacking midfielder, or a supporting striker. Becha is a very good passer of the ball and can pick out spaces in opponents’ defence.

Becha is the assigned penalty taker, and he rarely misses. Becha is another homegrown talent, and he currently plays for CS Sfaxien.

Mohamed Wael Derbali

Mohamed Wael Derbali has established himself as Tunisia U20’s main man in defense. At 6 feet 2, he has a big frame and can be a real bully.

He also uses his height well, as he is good at defending aerial balls. The Flying Eagles attackers should be prepared to get past him if they want to score. Derbali currently plays for the youth team of Esperance of Tunis.

Rayan Jerbi

Ryan Jerbi will likely be Derbali’s partner at the heart of the defence. Although shorter than Derbali, he is quite quick and uses the ball better. Jerbi currently plays for the youth team of French Ligue 1 club OGC Nice.

Omar Ben Ali

Omar Ben Ali is the first-choice striker for Tunisia, and is another of the home-grown talents. The 20-year-old striker is already playing first-team football for Tunisian club CS Sfaxien, so he has some experience.

He has already provided three goals and three assists this season. And while his goal returns may not be high, he is a hardworker and a ready runner on the pitch.

So the Flying Eagles defenders must be careful to not get dispossessed by him. He is quite big and will not be easily bullied