Nigeria’s Super Eagles have secured a place in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging Tunisia 3–2 in a pulsating Group C encounter at Fez Stadium on Saturday.
The three-time African champions appeared to be cruising after racing into a 3–0 lead through goals from Victor Osimhen, captain Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. However, a spirited late comeback by Tunisia ensured a tense finish to the five-goal thriller.
Osimhen opened the scoring just before halftime, rising between defenders to power home a header from a Lookman cross. Nigeria doubled their advantage five minutes into the second half when Ndidi headed in from another Lookman corner, exposing Tunisia’s aerial vulnerabilities.
Lookman capped a superb individual performance in the 67th minute, finishing clinically after being set up by Osimhen to make it 3–0.
Tunisia responded with renewed urgency and reduced the deficit in the 74th minute when Montassar Talbi headed in a free-kick delivered by Hannibal Mejbri. The Carthage Eagles set up a dramatic finale three minutes from time as Ali Abdi converted a penalty following a VAR review that ruled Bright Samuel guilty of handball.
Tunisia pushed hard for an equaliser during seven minutes of added time, but efforts from captain Ferjani Sassi and substitute Ismael Gharbi narrowly missed the target.
The victory marks Nigeria’s third win over Tunisia in seven AFCON meetings between both sides, with the remaining encounters split between draws and penalty shootout victories.
After an unconvincing opening match against Tanzania, the Super Eagles showed significant improvement, dominating large periods of the game and showcasing their attacking depth as they advance to the knockout stage.
