Nigeria Cling on for Victory Against Tunisia, Advance to AFCON Knockout Round

The Super Eagles of  Nigeria defeated Tunisia 3-2 in their second game at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). 

Nigeria survived a late onslaught from the Tunisians to clinch the vital victory at the Stade Foot Fès in Morocco on Saturday.

The victory secured the Eagles’ qualification for the second round of the competition.

Nigeria almost surrendered a three-goal lead in the nail-biting match that sprang to life in its final 20 minutes.

Eric Chelle, the Eagles’ head coach, opted for only two changes to the starting line-up that squeezed past Tanzania in the first game. Bruno Onyemaechi and Frank Onyenka replaced Zaidu Sanusi and Samuel Chukwueze.

The coach maintained the partnership of Akor Adam and Victor Osimhen upfront, with Ademola Lookman given positional freedom to find space behind them.

A combination of two of the front three produced Nigeria’s first goal just a minute before half-time. Lookman found Osimhen’s head inside the Tunisian box, and the Galataray striker put the Eagles ahead.

The goal was Osimhen’s second goal in nine AFCON games, and it couldn’t have arrived at a better time.

Nigeria resumed the second half with similar impetus and doubled the lead just five minutes after the restart. Lookman once again was the provider with a corner kick delivery that ensured Wilfred Ndidi helped himself to his first-ever Super Eagles goal.

Lookman then sealed his impressive performance with a goal in the 67th minute. He was found racing into the box with a cutback by Osimhen. Lookman dropped his shoulders a few times to lose his marker before rifling a shot through the defensive bodies into the net.

Nigeria were in total control of the encounter until a goal sparked Tunisia’s resurgence. Montassar Talbi’s header ignited the fire in the 74th minute, and a penalty from Ali Al-Abdi made them believe a comeback was at hand.

But time proved to be a more unbeatable adversary than the Nigerian defence, and Tunisia could only get applause for their valiant efforts when the final whistle went.

The Super Eagles sit top of Group C with six points. Tunisia are second with three, while Uganda and Tanzania each have one.

Nigeria will face Uganda in the final group match on December 30.