Former Liverpool striker Diouf likens Tunisia to Italy as he rates their chances against Nigeria

Published: January 23, 2022

Former Liverpool striker El Hadji Diouf believes the Tunisia national team is similar to four-time world champions Italy in terms of being unpredictable on the pitch.

It is now eighteen years since the Eagles of Carthage won their only Africa Cup of Nations title, on home soil with a 2-1 victory over north African rivals Morocco in the showpiece.

After a dismal performance in the group stage in which they lost twice, Tunisia are underdogs heading into Sunday evening's round of sixteen clash against three-time African champions Nigeria.

2002 World Cup star Diouf didn't hesitate in commenting that the Tunisians could defeat Nigeria if they are at their very best but stressed that they are also capable of putting up the worst performance.

"I have always said that I consider the Tunisian team to be Italy of the African continent," Diouf said to Mosaique FM.

"They can come to the stadium and play a good match. They can get to the stadium and sleep on the field".

A two-time African Footballer of the Year, Diouf was in the Senegal team beaten 2-1 by Nigeria in the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations.

Igho Kingsley

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