AFCON 2025: Shaun Bartlett Highlights Defensive Concerns for Super Eagles Despite Thrilling 3-2 Victory Over Tunisia

The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured their spot in the Round of 16 at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Tunisia on December 27. However, former South African striker Shaun Bartlett has raised concerns about Nigeria's defensive fragility, describing it as "alarming" despite the dominant first-half performance.
Nigeria raced to a commanding 3-0 lead, thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen (just before halftime), Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman after the break. The three-time AFCON champions looked set for a comfortable victory in their Group C clash in Fes.
But Tunisia mounted a dramatic late comeback, scoring twice in the closing stages—through Montassar Talbi (from a header) and Ali Abdi (from a penalty after a VAR review). The Carthage Eagles nearly equalized in stoppage time, with efforts coming close to forcing a draw.

Speaking on SuperSport after the match, Bartlett, a former Bafana Bafana star, praised Nigeria's attacking prowess but pointed out vulnerabilities at the back:

“The one alarming thing for Nigeria is just that they just seem under threat every time they’re under attack. There’s not that solidity about them … it’s almost like they might just concede whenever the opponents attacked.”

He added that while the Super Eagles were "fantastic" in the first half, the second half was "awful," allowing Tunisia to exploit gaps and nearly stage a miraculous recovery.Bartlett also commended Tunisia's No. 10 (likely referring to a key playmaker like Hannibal Mejbri or similar) for his "unbelievable" technical ability in opening up the game and creating chances.


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