Former beach soccer star Abu Azeez has cautioned the Super Eagles to tread carefully ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group C clash against Tunisia on Saturday.

Both Nigeria and Tunisia kicked off their 2025 AFCON campaigns in Morocco with victories and will face each other in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the group stage.

Speaking on the Home Turf podcast, Azeez warned that Tunisia pose a significant challenge and that allowing the Carthage Eagles to score first could place unnecessary pressure on the Nigerian team.

“The game against Tanzania has come and gone. This one is against Tunisia, a better side,” Azeez said. “Losing this match will put pressure on the team ahead of the last group game. At this stage of the tournament, any team can win.”

The former international also urged the Super Eagles to avoid approaching the encounter with a revenge mindset, despite their 1-0 loss to Tunisia in their last meeting.

“We know the Tunisians are very fast. In terms of physicality and technique, they have it. They play like Europeans,” he noted. “Nigeria just needs full focus — about 90 percent concentration — from start to finish.”

Azeez, however, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to dominate if they get their approach right, emphasizing the importance of scoring early and maintaining defensive discipline.

“Tunisia are not unbeatable. We can beat them and beat them well. But we must not concede first because that will put pressure on the Nigerian squad,” he added.

Opinion: Azeez’s warning reflects a familiar reality for the Super Eagles at major tournaments — talent alone is not enough. Tunisia’s tactical discipline and experience often punish lapses in concentration, something Nigeria must guard against. If the Super Eagles combine their attacking firepower with patience and defensive solidity, they have every chance not only to win but to send a strong statement to the rest of the competition. Saturday’s clash will likely be decided by mindset as much as skill.