Nigeria's AFCON 2025 Group C: A tactical look at Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania

Nigeria’s quest for AFCON glory in Morocco will be determined early by their ability to navigate a technically diverse Group C, featuring the tactical rigidity of Tunisia, the aggressive discipline of Uganda, and the renewed energy of Tanzania. The Super Eagles must master adaptability to emerge as group leaders.

Here is a deep tactical breakdown of Nigeria’s opponents and the required strategic response heading into the AFCON 2025.

Tunisia, known as the Eagles of Carthage, are renowned for their defensive solidity and technical discipline, presents Nigeria's sternest tactical test.

Under coach Sami Trabelsi, Tunisia emphasise building from the back with a structured approach. They are tactically flexible, rotating between a conservative 4-4-2, a balanced 4-3-3, and the central focus of a 4-2-3-1.

Their strength lies in collective cohesion and concentration. While their recent World Cup qualifying record of 22 goals scored and none conceded shows their clinical edge and defensive reliability, their performance in the AFCON qualifiers saw them concede six goals in six matches. 

This suggests a vulnerability when their high press is breached or if they are forced into a deeper, prolonged defensive block.

Tunisia utilise a high press to reduce danger near their goal, but their real danger often comes from fast transition play once they regain possession. They combine defensive security with quick, versatile attacks.

The Cranes of Uganda approach the AFCON with a blend of respect for their opponents and an unshakeable belief in their aggressive unity, largely shaped by their experienced coach, Paul Put.

Put has instilled a clear, tactically balanced style based on collective discipline and aggressive pressing, typically lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Uganda’s mantra will be to fight for every ball at the AFCON. This translates into intense, focused team play designed to disrupt the opponent's rhythm and passing lanes. They prioritise discipline out of possession, aiming to remain tactically flexible on both ends of the pitch.

The Cranes' collective unity and intensity mean they are not easily intimidated, especially against continental giants like Nigeria. They will seek to smother the Nigerian midfield and force turnovers in dangerous areas, which will be a challenge for Eric Chelle’s men.

Tanzania, led by coach Hemed Suleiman, before his shocking sack, represented a side that recently shed the stigma of past weak performances and is focused on harnessing energy with strategic balance.

The Taifa Stars aim for consistency and discipline in their setups, predominantly seen in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation.

Tanzania commands respect due to their recent growth, and their primary goal at the AFCON 2025 is to achieve a historic progression beyond the group stage. They are a confident and well-prepared squad capable of competing both physically and tactically in a tough group, despite recent run of results.

They rely on high energy levels to compete physically, particularly in the midfield and wide areas, while ensuring the defense remains well-marshaled to avoid being overwhelmed by technically superior teams.

For the Chelle’s Super Eagles to assert dominance and secure progression at AFCON, they must execute a strategy that leverages their overwhelming attacking talent while ensuring tactical consistency and flexibility against three distinct threats.

Nigeria must avoid slow, predictable buildup play. Against Tunisia’s disciplined defence, quick, intelligent passing combinations and verticality are essential to exploit spaces when their midfield presses higher. 

When Tunisia drop deep, Nigeria must use their full-backs to create width and overload the flanks to stretch the compact backline.

• Countering Uganda’s Aggression:

The Super Eagles must maintain composure against Uganda's aggressive pressing game. Superior ball retention in the midfield is crucial to dismantle Uganda’s organisation and frustrate their high-intensity approach. 

Midfielders must be ready to play out of pressure with precision, making quick switches of play to expose the spaces left by Uganda’s committed press.

And against the energetic Taifa Stars, who are expected to be competitive and strong under new boss Miguel Gamondi, Nigeria cannot afford to ease off. They must match Tanzania's physical intensity and sustain a high tempo for the full 90 minutes. Game management will be key, using tactical substitutions to maintain high-level physical performance and intensity throughout.

The overall tactical roadmap for Nigeria relies on three pillars: flexibility, midfield balance, and controlled pressing. 

The coaching staff led by Franco-Malian Chelle must be prepared to adapt formations to counter the opponents' strengths, ensuring the defensive line remains solid while maximising the diverse attacking options available to them led by Victor Osimhen. 

Also, effective game management will be crucial and decisive in navigating the three very different challenges presented by Group C.