Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a place in the Round of 16 at the 2025 AFCON after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Tunisia in a top-of-the-table Group C clash
AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Outclass Tunisia 3-2, Qualify for Round of 16
Nigeria’s Super Eagles booked their place in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging Tunisia 3-2 in a thrilling five-goal Group C encounter at the Fez Stadium on Saturday.
The three-time African champions looked firmly in control after racing into a 3-0 lead, with goals from Victor Osimhen, captain Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman.
However, Tunisia mounted a spirited late comeback, as Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi struck to set up a tense finale.
Nigeria, who struggled in their narrow opening win against Tanzania, were a transformed side, dominating possession and tempo for much of the first half.
Osimhen was a constant menace, especially in aerial duels. Wearing his trademark protective mask, the Galatasaray striker headed just over after nine minutes and later had another effort ruled offside after VAR replays confirmed an early run.
The breakthrough finally came in the 44th minute, when Lookman delivered a pinpoint cross and Osimhen rose above the Tunisian defence to power home a header.
Five minutes into the second half, Nigeria doubled their lead. Once again, Lookman was the architect, floating in a corner that Ndidi met with a towering header, marking the midfielder’s first international goal.
Nigeria made it 3-0 on 67 minutes, as Osimhen turned provider, setting up Lookman, who calmly controlled the ball inside the box before smashing it in off the post.
Tunisia pulled one back in the 74th minute when Talbi nodded in a free-kick delivered by Hannibal Mejbri, sparking a late resurgence.
With three minutes remaining, Ali Abdi converted from the penalty spot after a VAR review ruled that Bright Samuel had handled the ball in the area.
The Carthage Eagles pushed hard in seven minutes of stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading narrowly wide and substitute Ismael Gharbi firing off target, as Nigeria held on for victory.
Group C Standings
After two matches:
- Nigeria – 6 points
- Tunisia – 3 points
- Tanzania – 1 point
- Uganda – 1 point
The final round of group matches will be played on Tuesday.
AFCON Rivalry Record
The encounter marked the seventh AFCON meeting between Nigeria and Tunisia:
- Nigeria wins: 3
- Tunisia wins: 1
Penalty shootout wins: 1 each
