Tunisian defender Montassar Talbi has stated his side’s desire to finish first in their AFCON group ahead of the Carthage Eagles’ Group C game against the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Fes Stadium on Saturday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Tunisia and Nigeria will meet again on the continental stage for the first time since their round of 16 clash in Garoua in 2021. Nigeria lost 1-0 to bow out to the Carthage Eagles then.
Talbi, who played all 90 minutes in that encounter four years ago, responded to Fisayo Dairo‘s question on whether that win gives them confidence ahead of Saturday’s big clash in Fes.
“Last game against Nigeria in Garoua was a very good one, but we won the game,” Talbi began.
“It was tough because we had a lot of players with COVID. The majority really showed that we could beat anyone in any circumstances. It was a really nice game. So, tomorrow is going to be another story, as there are a lot of changes in their team and our team,” the Lorient defender added.
Montassar Talbi also refuted the claim that they are favourites, arguing that Nigerians are also doing well, but hopes his side can secure a win and eventually finish first.
“I don’t think we are the favourites for tomorrow because Nigeria also did a really big game for the first game, and they are doing well. I think it will be a really good game. We are confident, we hope to make a good game. Maybe this is the final of the group, and we want to finish first, and hopefully we will do well. It will be a nice fight, but we hope to win.”
Talbi dismissed suggestions that Tunisia are only now earning respect, insisting the team has been widely acknowledged for years.
“We got our respect for a long time. I think we have achieved a lot recently. We have qualified for the last three World Cups, and even at the AFCON, we have done well. They respect us now. But we think we can go bigger, and we can do better. It depends on us, but we will take everything step by step. We are really focused on the next game,” the former Rizespor defender concluded.
Nigeria will be out for revenge on Saturday in Fes as memories of their painful 2021 AFCON exit in Cameroon linger. The game has been scheduled to kick off by 9pm (local/Nigerian time).
Samuel Areo reporting from Fes
