Ex-Kaizer Chiefs Coach Rejects Tunisia Job as Henry, Vieira Linked

Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi, widely tipped to take charge of Tunisia’s national team, has reportedly turned down the opportunity to lead the Carthage Eagles just five months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The vacancy arose after Sami Trabelsi was dismissed following Tunisia’s disappointing Round of 16 exit at AFCON 2025, where they lost on penalties to 10-man Mali.

The Tunisia Football Federation (FTF) had hoped to restore competitiveness by appointing Nabi on a short-term deal for the World Cup campaign, but their efforts have been unsuccessful.

Nabi Chooses to Extend Sabbatical

According to FarPost, sources close to the coach indicate that despite repeated offers, Nabi remains committed to his sabbatical. The 60-year-old tactician last managed Kaizer Chiefs, ending a 15-month spell in October 2025 after guiding the club to its first trophy in a decade by winning the Nedbank Cup.

Tunisian Football Under Scrutiny

The rejection comes amid growing criticism of Tunisian football. Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri delivered a scathing assessment after AFCON, telling RMC Sport:

“We are behind in our football… we are lagging in so many areas. Everyone responsible needs to sit down and start from scratch.”

Who’s Next for Tunisia?

With Nabi out of contention, the FTF is expected to turn to other candidates, including Mouin Chaâbani (currently coaching RS Berkane), Moroccan tactician Hussein Ammouta, and former OGC Nice boss Franck Haise.

 High-profile names such as Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira have also been sensationally linked.

The incoming coach faces a daunting task: Tunisia has been drawn into Group F at the World Cup alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and the UEFA playoff winner, a true “Group of Death.”