Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Saturday night edged past Tunisia 3–2 in a gripping Group C showdown at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Played under the dazzling floodlights of the Complexe Sportif de Fès, the encounter had everything: goals, VAR drama and late tension, as Nigeria sealed qualification for the round of 16 with a perfect haul of six points from two matches.
From kickoff, the Super Eagles played with intent and confidence, asserting control of possession and pinning Tunisia deep in their half. Coach Eric Chelle’s men probed patiently, and their pressure finally paid off moments before halftime. In the 44th minute, Victor Osimhen announced Nigeria’s dominance, powering a trademark header beyond the Tunisian goalkeeper after meeting a delicious cross from Ademola Lookman to hand Nigeria a deserved lead.
The momentum carried into the second half, and within five minutes of the restart, Nigeria struck again. Captain Wilfred Ndidi, not known for his goals, timed his run perfectly to connect with another Lookman delivery from a corner, nodding home his first international goal and sending the Nigerian fans into raptures.
With Tunisia reeling, the Super Eagles turned on the style. In the 67th minute, Lookman capped a sensational individual performance by finishing off a slick attacking move involving Osimhen, calmly slotting in Nigeria’s third goal to seemingly put the contest beyond reach at 3–0.
But the Carthage Eagles refused to fold. Tunisia found a lifeline in the 74th minute when Montassar Talbi headed home from a set-piece, injecting belief into their comeback bid. The drama intensified late on as VAR intervened in the 87th minute, ruling that Bright Osayi-Samuel had handled the ball in the box. Ali Abdi made no mistake from the penalty spot, cutting Nigeria’s lead to 3–2 and setting up a nervy finale.
The closing moments were frantic. Tunisia pressed relentlessly, rattled the woodwork and forced last-ditch defending from the Super Eagles, but Nigeria stood firm, seeing out the storm to clinch a memorable victory.
The result leaves Nigeria top of Group C with six points, ahead of Tunisia on three, and firmly through to the AFCON knockout phase with growing belief. After the match, Chelle praised his players’ composure and attacking efficiency, noting the significance of scoring three goals against a Tunisian side known for its defensive discipline.
For Osimhen, Ndidi and Lookman, and indeed the entire squad, it was a night to savour one that showcased Nigeria’s attacking depth, resilience under pressure and unmistakable intent to challenge for continental glory.
