Tomorrow, Nigeria carry a bit of revenge into the game against Tunisia, their second match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.

Remember, Nigeria lost to Tunisia in the 2021 edition of the AFCON in Cameroon.

Youssef Msakni’s 86th-minute strike sent Nigeria packing in the round of 16 after the Super Eagles had cruised through the group stage, winning all three games.

Tomorrow, when Nigeria face Tunisia again, it goes beyond the emotional edge of revenge. It is a game they need to win, because victory would place them in a comfortable position heading into the final group match against Uganda.

For many Nigerians, the disappointment of the Super Eagles not qualifying for the 2026 World Cup still lingers.

But that disappointment begins with the players themselves.

The captain of the team, Wilfred Ndidi, speaking at the press conference earlier today, described it as “a painful exit.” And if that is how the players feel, then any disappointment felt by the fans cannot be more excruciating than what the squad carries internally.

Ndidi also stressed that the pain of missing out on the World Cup, as heavy as it is, does not put pressure on the team.

“There’s no pressure on us at all. We didn’t make the World Cup, but this is a different tournament and we are actually ready for it. This is another opportunity to correct the wrongs and achieve something.”

It is good that they have moved past the disappointment, and that the focus is now firmly on this AFCON.

For Nigeria, the spirit in the team camp has been high, and exciting, and from the game against Tanzania where the Eagles got a win, they can only take it up from there.

Nigeria’s game against Tunisia kicks off at 9pm Nigerian time on Saturday.