THE atmosphere around Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign has received a major boost ahead of Saturday’s group-stage showdown against Tunisia, with tickets for the high-stakes encounter at the Fez Stadium completely sold out.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that ticket information on the Confederation of African Football’s official platform confirmed that all three ticket categories for the match were fully booked, a surprising development given the concerns over low attendances that have characterised several fixtures at the tournament so far.
Category 1 tickets were sold at 300 Moroccan dirhams, Category 2 at 200 dirhams, while Category 3 tickets went for 100 dirhams, with sales initially scheduled to close 24 hours before kick-off. CAF regulations limited purchases to a maximum of two tickets per person in line with safety and accessibility guidelines.
The sell-out comes as a sharp contrast to Nigeria’s opening group match against Tanzania, which attracted an official attendance of 11,444 spectators in the 40,000-capacity Fez Stadium. Several other AFCON fixtures have also been played before half-empty stands following a vibrant opening game involving host nation Morocco.
The Super Eagles and the Carthage Eagles head into the match level on three points after opening their campaigns with convincing victories. Nigeria edged Tanzania 2–1, courtesy of goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman, while Tunisia impressed with a 3–1 win over Uganda. Victory on Saturday would all but secure a place in the round of 16 for the winner.
Veteran ESPN journalist Colin Udoh highlighted the unexpected ticket rush on social media, raising questions about the composition of the anticipated crowd and its possible impact on the Super Eagles.
“Tickets for Nigeria’s game against Tunisia are sold out. Could that be the Tunisia fans making the short flight over to support the Carthage Eagles? Or just Moroccans in love with the Super Eagles? Is this a good or not so good thing for Nigeria?” Udoh wrote.
Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi has already praised the hospitality his team has enjoyed in Morocco, noting the warm reception from local supporters since their arrival.
“The city is very welcoming. We are very happy to have the warm welcome of Moroccan fans,” Trabelsi said after his team’s opening win, adding that Tunisia would treat every match with the respect it deserves as they build momentum in the competition.
With Tunisia ranked significantly higher than Tanzania by FIFA, the clash in Fez is expected to provide Nigeria’s toughest test so far, now set against the backdrop of a packed stadium and one of the most charged atmospheres of the tournament.
Adding further intrigue to the encounter is the form of Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze, who has been enjoying a resurgence both at club and international level.
Currently on loan at Fulham from AC Milan, Chukwueze has admitted that limited opportunities and lack of continuity hampered his progress during his time in Serie A. The Nigerian international joined Milan from Villarreal in 2023 for €20m but struggled to secure a regular starting role, managing just nine starts in 26 league appearances last season.
“I don’t think I was given the time or the opportunities I needed,” Chukwueze said. “But that’s football. I just have to keep working.”
Since moving to the Premier League, the 26-year-old has rediscovered his rhythm, registering two goals and four assists in nine matches for Fulham, with most of those contributions coming shortly before his AFCON call-up.
Chukwueze believes English football suits his style better but insists his connection to Milan remains strong.
“I miss Milan. It’s my second home,” he said. “My family are still there, and I wish the club all the best. I’m still a Milan player because I’m only on loan.”
He also backed the Rossoneri to remain competitive this season, tipping them for a top-four finish and even a title push.
At AFCON, Chukwueze was among Nigeria’s standout performers in the opening win over Tanzania, featuring for 59 minutes and injecting pace and creativity into the Eagles’ attack.
With a sold-out stadium now guaranteed and momentum building on and off the pitch, Saturday’s Nigeria–Tunisia clash promises to be one of the defining moments of the group stage and a true test of the Super Eagles’ ambitions at the tournament.