Nigeria clinched a spot in the round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Tunisia in a Group C showdown at the Stade de Fès on Saturday evening.

The Super Eagles appeared to be in full command for the majority of the match, thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman, which gave them a commanding three-goal lead. However, a late surge from Tunisia injected tension into the final moments.

From the outset, Nigeria dictated the pace, applying relentless pressure that kept Tunisia on the back foot.

Leading the charge up front, Osimhen and Akor Adams were relentless, with Osimhen coming close on two header attempts and having an earlier goal disallowed for offside, underscoring the Super Eagles’ dominance.

Osimhen breaks deadlock before the interval

Tunisia began to find their footing after the first 30 minutes but encountered difficulties breaking through a well-organized Nigerian defense, expertly managed by Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi.

Stanley Nwabali was rarely tested as Nigeria maintained territorial control.

The breakthrough arrived just before half-time. Ademola Lookman delivered a precise cross from the left in the 44th minute, and Osimhen timed his run perfectly to head Nigeria into a deserved 1-0 lead at the break.

Ndidi and Lookman put Nigeria in command

Nigeria wasted little time extending their advantage after the restart. Five minutes into the second half, Lookman’s corner found Ndidi unmarked, and the midfielder powered home a header to make it 2-0.

Lookman then capped an influential display in the 67th minute. After exchanging passes with Osimhen, the winger showed composure inside the box before drilling a low finish past the Tunisian goalkeeper to seemingly put the contest beyond doubt.

Late Tunisia rally falls short

Tunisia sparked late drama in the 75th minute when Hannibal Mejbri’s free-kick was headed in by Montassar Talbi.

Momentum swung further in the Carthage Eagles’ favour when VAR confirmed a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel, allowing Ali Abdi to convert from the spot in the 86th minute.

Despite sustained pressure and anxious moments in stoppage time, Nigeria managed the closing stages effectively to preserve the victory.

The win takes the Super Eagles to six points from two matches and confirms their place in the knockout phase as Group C leaders.

Tunisia remain on three points and must secure a result against Tanzania, while Nigeria will conclude their group campaign against Uganda.