Super Eagles seal AFCON 2025 knockout berth after tense Tunisia win
Nigeria secured qualification for the round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging Tunisia 3-2 in a dramatic Group C encounter at the Stade de Fès on Saturday night.
The Super Eagles appeared firmly in control for much of the contest after goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman put them three goals clear, before a late Tunisian surge turned the closing minutes into a nervy affair.
Nigeria dominated the opening phases, setting the tempo and pinning Tunisia back with sustained pressure.
Osimhen and Akor Adams led the line aggressively, with Osimhen twice going close with headers and seeing an earlier effort ruled out for offside as the Super Eagles asserted their authority.
Osimhen breaks deadlock before the interval
Tunisia gradually settled after the half-hour mark but struggled to penetrate a disciplined Nigerian defence marshalled 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.
