Former Nigeria youth international Sam Elijah has reacted after the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in the worst way possible, losing 5-1 to Sweden, Footynaija.com reports.
Tunisia went into the game against their European counterparts at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico hoping to put the disappointment of back-to-back pre-tournament defeats at the hands of Belgium and Austria behind them.
However, the Swedes had other ideas with Yasin Ayari netting twice while the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak and Mattias Svanberg all bagged one each to render Omar Rekik’s 43rd minute striker a mere consolation.
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Speaking about the game, Elijah admitted that it was disappointing to see a strong African side crumble in such epic proportions. However, he went on to back the Eagles of Carthage to turn things around.
“Honestly, I’m disappointed because they are the face of Africa. Losing by that big margin is a disappointment. But I tell you, that’s football for you,” he said in a recent interview. “Don’t be surprised in the second match, they can spring back and pull a surprise. Anything can happen.”
Tunisia currently sit rock-bottom in Group F and are the only side in the group yet to register anything on the points board. Japan and the Netherlands, who battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw in their own opening game, are the other members of Group F.
Having dismissed head coach Sabri Lamouchi following that defeat to Sweden, the Carthage Eagles will be desperate to get something positive out of their second group game against the Samurai of Japan next Sunday.
