Nigeria captain Wilfred Ndidi says the Super Eagles’ painful exit to Tunisia at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations has become a source of motivation as the two sides meet again on Saturday night.

Despite topping their group in Cameroon, Augustine Eguavoen’s team were eliminated in the round of 16 by the Carthage Eagles, with Youssef Msakni’s second-half strike deciding the match in Garoua. The game was further marred by Alex Iwobi’s red card in a hard-fought contest.

Ndidi, a former Leicester City midfielder, revealed that the disappointment from that loss is now driving the team ahead of this top-of-the-table clash in Fez.

“It was a painful loss in 2019, but it gives us more confidence,” Ndidi told the media.

“When we talked about it, we were really prepared for this moment because we don’t want to repeat what happened in 2019. This is a new team with new players, and we hope the outcome will be different.”

Nigeria’s last AFCON triumph came in South Africa in 2013, when Sunday Mba’s solitary goal against Burkina Faso secured their third continental title. Under Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles are aiming for a fourth African crown after narrowly missing out at Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

With none of the current squad having lifted the trophy before, Ndidi expressed confidence that this new generation can rise to the occasion and set a new standard.

“It will be a great achievement for us. None of the current players were part of the AFCON-winning squad in 2019, but it’s about growth and establishing our own standards. We’re here to achieve our goals,” he added.

Ahead of Nigeria’s opening match against Tanzania, football legend Yakubu Ayegbeni visited the Super Eagles’ Fez camp to boost morale. Ndidi praised the visit, highlighting the importance of encouragement from former internationals.

“It’s very important for former players to be part of the group, not just to be around, but to speak positively and give us confidence,” Ndidi said.

“When they speak well about the team, it boosts belief, especially since many of us grew up looking up to them. Their support and positivity really motivate us.”

Ndidi also dismissed concerns over negative comments on social media, insisting such criticism will not distract the squad.

“Of course not. There will always be negative comments online, but it doesn’t affect the group. We’re focused on football and representing over 200 million Nigerians. Social media opinions don’t change our goal: performing strongly in this tournament,” he stated.

Nigeria enters the AFCON clash unbeaten in their last seven group-stage matches, with their last defeat coming against Madagascar in 2019. They have also won their last three group games by a single-goal margin.

Meanwhile, Tunisia has remained unbeaten in their second group match in each of their last five AFCON campaigns, last losing this fixture 3-0 to Côte d’Ivoire in 2013.