Ex-Kaizer Chiefs Coach Tops Shortlist for World Cup-Bound Team Job

The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) has reportedly placed former Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi at the top of its shortlist to lead the Carthage Eagles into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The coaching search intensified this week following the dismissal of Sami Trabelsi, who was sacked just one day after Tunisia’s disappointing Round of 16 exit at AFCON 2025.

Tunisia’s AFCON 2025 Campaign

Tunisia opened their tournament with a win over Uganda, but a 3-2 defeat to Nigeria and a 1-1 draw with Tanzania saw them finish second in Group C. Their journey ended in heartbreak after losing to 10-man Mali on penalties in the knockout stage.

Nabi Leads the Shortlist

Nabi, 60, is currently unattached after a high-profile but brief stint with South African giants Kaizer Chiefs according to FarPost. Despite winning the Nedbank Cup and ending the club’s decade-long trophy drought, he parted ways with Amakhosi in October 2025. His availability makes him an attractive option for the FTF, which is eager to “restore competitiveness” ahead of the World Cup in June.

While Nabi is considered the frontrunner, he faces stiff competition. Fellow Tunisian Mouin Chaâbani, excelling at Moroccan side RS Berkane, was also approached but reportedly prefers to stay put. Other names on the shortlist include Moroccan coach Hussein Ammouta, former OGC Nice manager Franck Haise, and even French icons Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira.

A Daunting Task Awaits

Whoever takes the job will face a massive challenge. Tunisia has been drawn into Group F for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and the UEFA Playoff Winner (Ukraine, Poland, Albania, or Sweden).

The Carthage Eagles kick off their campaign on June 14, 2026, against the playoff winner at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Mexico.

Mejbri Hannibal’s Brutal Assessment

After Tunisia’s AFCON exit, Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri delivered a scathing critique of the country’s football structure:

“We are behind in our football, and it needs to be said. We are lagging in so many areas. All the people responsible for Tunisian football need to sit down together and ask the real questions because we are really behind,” he told RMC Sport.

Mejbri called for a complete overhaul, citing mentality and work ethic as key issues:

“We dream too much and maybe we don’t work hard enough. There’s no shame in learning every day. We need to question ourselves, myself included, and I hope we can make it happen.”