AFCON2021: Wahbi Khaziri and 11 others to miss Super Eagles R16 clash

Several Tunisian players including captain Wahbi Khaziri and head coach Mondher Kebaier have tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) round of 16 clash against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

At the media center of the Roumdje Adjia Stadium, Garoua on Saturday, January 22, 2022, Kebaier was absent and represented by his Tunisian assistant, coach Jalal Al-Qadri, who addressed journalists during their pre-match press conference.

Al Qadri revealed that the captain of the team, Khazri, and eleven others have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus which has ruled them out of the game against Nigeria on Sunday.

The other eleven players are Ellyes Skhiri, Anis Ben Slimane, Aissa Laidouni, Dylan Bronn, Ghaylène Chaalali,, Mohamed Romdhane, Aymen Dahmen Yoann Touzgha, Issam Jebali, Ali Maâloul and Ben Hmida.

Another player set to miss the tie this Sunday for Tunisia is goalkeeper Farouk Ben Mustapha, who is suspended for the game, following the red card he received for violent conduct against the Gambia in their final match in the group stage.

Tunisia's Carthage Eagles qualified for the last 16 as one of four best third-placed teams in the group stage.

They lost two of their three group games with their only victory a comprehensive 4-0 win over minnows, Mauritania.

The Carthage Eagles lost to the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the third-place game at the 2019 AFCON in Cairo, Egypt, and face off again on Sunday, January 23, 2022.