Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest carrier, has bolstered its fleet by leasing a Boeing 737-800 from ACMI provider KlasJet. This move reflects the airline’s ambition to expand its footprint in the rapidly growing African aviation market. With a current fleet that includes 29 aircraft, Air Peace operates from Embraer E195-E2s to Boeing 777s, serving 20 different locations across the continent. The lease agreement with KlasJet marks a strategic decision aimed at enhancing the airline’s capacity to serve the burgeoning demand in the region.

The Growing African Aviation Market

The African aviation sector is experiencing impressive growth, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) projecting a 6% increase in air travel across the continent by 2026. Air Peace’s decision to lease the Boeing 737-800 aligns with this forecasted growth, positioning the airline to meet rising demand in West Africa and beyond. The rapid development of the aviation industry in Africa is being fueled by the economic transformation of countries, including Nigeria, where Air Peace is headquartered.

Oluwatoyin Olajide, Chief Operating Officer at Air Peace, has noted that countries like Nigeria are evolving into economic powerhouses, with aviation serving as a crucial pillar in this transformation. As a market leader in the region, Air Peace aims to remain at the forefront of this growth and capitalize on the opportunities provided by an expanding air travel market.

Strategic Flexibility Through Aircraft Leasing

The decision to lease the Boeing 737-800 was driven by the flexibility that the aircraft leasing model offers. This model allows airlines to expand their fleets and test new routes without bearing the heavy financial burden of aircraft ownership. With the rapid growth of the African aviation sector, airlines like Air Peace must remain agile, adapting quickly to changing market conditions and consumer demand.

KlasJet, the ACMI provider that entered into the agreement with Air Peace, is well-positioned to support the airline’s growth. The leasing arrangement provides Air Peace with a dependable aircraft to strengthen its regional network while allowing the carrier to manage its financial exposure. The flexibility inherent in the ACMI model is particularly well-suited to airlines in fast-growing regions like Africa, where demand for air travel is expanding at a significant pace.

Challenges and Resilience in Air Peace’s Strategy

While the leasing agreement with KlasJet is a promising step for Air Peace, the airline has faced challenges in recent months. In November, Air Peace experienced difficulties with its previous ACMI partner, SmartLynx Airlines, which abruptly withdrew several leased Airbus A320 aircraft. These aircraft were critical to Air Peace’s domestic operations and their removal resulted in financial losses of over $15 million.

Following the withdrawal of these aircraft, SmartLynx Airlines announced it was ceasing operations due to an unsustainable financial future. This abrupt end to the partnership left Air Peace grappling with the repercussions of the loss. However, Air Peace’s swift decision to enter into a new leasing agreement with KlasJet demonstrates the airline’s resilience and commitment to maintaining its position as a dominant player in the African aviation market.

Expanding Reach in the West African Aviation Landscape

Air Peace’s expansion plans are heavily focused on the West African market, where the airline has a significant presence. By leasing the Boeing 737-800 from KlasJet, the airline enhances its ability to serve new and existing routes with greater capacity and flexibility. West Africa’s aviation market has seen substantial growth in recent years and Air Peace is looking to capitalize on this trend to solidify its standing as the leading carrier in the region.

The strategic use of leased aircraft allows Air Peace to optimize its operations, ensuring that it has the right aircraft for each route while avoiding the long-term financial commitment of aircraft ownership. This is particularly important as the airline continues to expand its domestic and international network, which includes destinations across Africa and beyond.

Looking Ahead to Africa’s Future Aviation Landscape

The African aviation market is poised for continued growth, with Air Peace well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead. The lease of the Boeing 737-800 from KlasJet is a clear indication that the airline is committed to expanding its fleet and strengthening its operations across the continent. As more countries in Africa transform into economic hubs, the demand for air travel will only increase and Air Peace plans to be at the forefront of this expansion.

As the airline continues to grow, Air Peace’s ability to adapt to the fast-paced dynamics of the African aviation market will be key to its success. With the leasing model providing the flexibility to respond to market changes quickly, the airline is well on its way to achieving its ambitious growth plans in the years to come.

Who: Nigeria vs Tunisia
What: CAF Africa Cup of Nations
Where: Fez Stadium in Fez, Morocco
When: Saturday, December 27, at 9pm (20:00 GMT)
How to follow: We’ll have all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 17:00 GMT in advance of our text commentary stream.

Nigeria were left to rue their inability to convert chances in their opening match, and the former champions can ill afford a repeat when they face a resolute Tunisia side in Saturday’s pivotal clash in Fez.

Tunisia, by contrast, arrive with momentum and pedigree, having already secured qualification for next year’s FIFA World Cup, and underlined their credentials by easing past Uganda to go top of the group on Tuesday.

While Nigeria did well to overcome Tanzania and claim Group C’s second spot, they were wasteful in front of goal on several occasions, with star striker Victor Osimhen failing to impact the game in any meaningful way.

If the three-time AFCON winners are to harbour hopes of beating Tunisia, they will need their Galatasaray forward to step up and rediscover the form that has made him one of the game’s most feared attackers.

Here’s everything you need to know about Nigeria vs Tunisia:

What happened in Nigeria’s first match of AFCON 2025?

Nigeria defeated Tanzania 2-1 in Tuesday’s campaign opener, thanks to a first-half header from defender Semi Ajayi and a second-half strike from attacking midfielder Ademola Lookman.

While the Super Eagles secured all three points, the scoreline flattered Tanzania, with Nigeria wasting several opportunities to extend their lead – margins that often prove decisive in tournament football.

What happened in Tunisia’s first match of AFCON 2025?

Tunisia also recorded a winning start to their AFCON campaign, easing past Uganda 3-1 in Rabat.

Ellyes Skhiri headed in an early opener, and winger Elias Achouri then scored twice on either side of half-time.

The three points surpassed Tunisia’s two-point tally from the AFCON 2023 campaign, in which they suffered a first-round exit.

AFCON Group C standings after opening group matches

After the first round of matches, Tunisia are on top of Group C with three points, above second-placed Nigeria on goal difference. Tanzania are third, while Uganda are bottom, with both teams having no points.

The top two teams from each group, along with the best four third-placed teams, will advance to the round of 16.

When are Nigeria’s and Tunisia’s final group games?

Both teams will finish their group-stage fixtures on Tuesday.

A win for either Tanzania or Uganda in the earlier kickoff on Saturday will set up a tense finale in the group, no matter the outcome of Nigeria’s match against Tunisia.

Group C’s finales:

• Tanzania vs Tunisia (Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, 5pm/16:00 GMT)
• Uganda vs Nigeria (Fez Stadium, 5pm/16:00 GMT)

Who are Nigeria’s key players?

Although star striker Osimhen is Nigeria’s highest-profile player, he was far from his best self in the opening match against Tanzania, misfiring on several occasions.

Right winger Samuel Chukwueze was involved in a lot of playmaking, left winger Alex Iwobi was a standout performer with the most chances, and goal scorer Lookman was also dangerous in attack.

Who are Tunisia’s key players?

Winger Achouri, whose brace led Tunisia to a victory over Uganda, is the team’s star attacking player.

Midfielder Skhiri, who was also among the scorers, and youngster Hannibal Mejbri, who created the most chances, are the other notable Tunisian players.

2 – Against Tanzania in matchday one, Alex Iwobi became just the second Nigerian player on record (since 2010) to provide two assists in a single CAF Africa Cup of Nations game, after John Obi Mikel against Mali in February 2013 (2). Eagle. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025pic.twitter.com/dttWrpl7qh

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 24, 2025

Form guide

All competitions, most recent result last:

Nigeria: W-L-L-W-W

Tunisia: W-W-D-L-D

Head-to-head

Nigeria and Tunisia have met 21 times in total, including competitive and friendly matches.

Tunisia have won seven of those meetings, Nigeria have won six, while eight games ended in a draw.

Their most recent meeting was in January 2022 at the AFCON’s last-16 stage, where Tunisia won 1-0.

AFCON records

Nigeria have played at AFCON 20 times, finishing winners on three occasions – most recently lifting the trophy in 2013 – and runners-up five times. Remarkably, they have finished in the top three in 13 of their last 15 AFCON appearances.

Tunisia have appeared 21 times at the continental championships, emerging winners on their home soil in 2004. They have also finished as runners-up twice. This year’s edition marks Tunisia’s 17th consecutive AFCON appearance.

Nigeria team news

Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has no new injury concerns. However, he could make some changes in defence, possibly benching Zaidu Sanusi after his poor performance at left back in the opening match.

Nigeria’s predicted lineup

Stanley Nwabali (goalkeeper); Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfried Ndidi, Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman; Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams

Tunisia team news

Hazem Mastouri’s availability came into doubt after he came off at half-time against Uganda following a series of heavy tackles, but the striker has been deemed fit to face Nigeria.

Tunisia’s predicted lineup

Aymen Dahmen (goalkeeper); Yan Valery, Dylan Bronn, Montassar Talbi, Ali Abdi; Ferjani Sassi, Elyes Skhiri, Hannibal Mejbri; Elias Achouri, Hazem Mastouri, Elias Saad

Ademola Lookman has secured a 2-1 win for a wasteful Nigeria against Tanzania in Fez, Morocco, in their opening Africa Cup of Nations match.

After the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle would have hoped for more goals given the opportunities his side created on Tuesday.

Star striker Victor Osimhen was among the culprits. He failed to score but could have claimed a hat-trick with better finishing.

Nigerian centre half Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the first half before Charles M’Mombwa levelled soon after half-time.

However, Atalanta attacker Lookman struck the winning goal shortly after the equaliser to spare Nigeria’s blushes.

The first half followed a predictable pattern with three-time champions Nigeria pressing and Tanzania soaking up the pressure as they sought a first win after three draws and six losses in three previous AFCON appearances.

Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Masudi suffered a facial injury after advancing off his line to block a shot by Akor Adams.

From the resultant corner, Sevilla striker Adams came close as his near-post header hit the top of the crossbar.

The East Africans threatened for the first time on 14 minutes with an acrobatic shot from Saimon Msuva comfortably saved by Stanley Nwabali.

As rain began to fall in Fez, Nigerian frustrations surfaced with 2023 African player of the year Osimhen upset after being fouled by Ibrahim Hamad.

Osimhen then became the focal point of the Nigerian attacks, threatening to score twice before another attempt was cleared off the line by Bakari Nondo.

That set piece led to the Super Eagles taking the lead as the ball was played back to Alex Iwobi, whose cross was nodded into the corner of the net by Ajayi for his second international goal.

Samuel Chukwueze had a chance to increase the lead just before half-time, but his close-range shot was tipped over by Masudi.

The opening seven minutes of the second period were dramatic as an Osimhen goal was ruled offside before M’Mombwa equalised on 50 minutes and then 2024 African player of the year Lookman restored Nigeria’s lead two minutes later with a rising shot from just outside the box.

Chelle introduced veteran Moses Simon for Adams in the vain hope of building a wider lead before what is likely to be their toughest Group C match – against Tunisia in Fez on Saturday.

Tanzania squandered a chance to equalise with three minutes of regular time remaining as a Mohamed Hussein cross evaded Nwabali, but substitute Kelvin John failed to connect with the ball.

After facing Tunisia, Nigeria will play Uganda in their final group fixture on December 30.

Tanzania face Uganda on Saturday while they end their group phase with a meeting with Tunisia on December 30.

Group C action continues on Tuesday with Tunisia taking on Uganda in Rabat.