Super Eagles sealed qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 knockout stage on Wednesday after a pulsating 3-2 victory over Tunisia in a Group C encounter that kept fans on edge until the final whistle.
Goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman powered Nigeria to a second consecutive win, confirming their place in the Round of 16 at the tournament in Morocco.
Osimhen broke the deadlock just before halftime, finishing clinically in the 45th minute, before Ndidi doubled the lead shortly after the restart in the 50th. Lookman appeared to put the match beyond reach with a well-taken strike in the 67th minute.
Tunisia, however, refused to go quietly. Talbi pulled one back in the 74th minute, injecting late tension, before Abdi converted a penalty in the 87th to set up a frantic finale. Nigeria held firm under pressure to secure all three points.
The result carried added significance for the Super Eagles, who were seeking redemption against Tunisia following their last AFCON meeting. At the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, Tunisia stunned Nigeria with a 1-0 victory in the Round of 16, ending the Super Eagles’ title hopes despite a flawless group-stage run.
Saturday’s win marked a reversal of that painful defeat, underlining Nigeria’s intent at the 2025 tournament.
“This was a game of character,” a Nigerian team official said after the match, noting the side’s ability to respond to Tunisia’s late surge. “The players stayed focused and showed maturity when it mattered most.”
With six points from two matches, Nigeria now sit comfortably in Group C and have already booked a place in the knockout phase, while Tunisia face an uphill battle to keep their tournament hopes alive.
