Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 after edging Tunisia 3–2 in a thrilling Group C encounter on Saturday night in Fes, confirming their status as group winners with a game to spare.
Goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman powered Nigeria to a commanding 3–0 lead, before a late Tunisian fightback tested the Super Eagles’ resolve in a tense finale.
Osimhen opened the scoring in the 44th minute, rising highest to head home a precise cross from Lookman, rewarding Nigeria’s first-half dominance. Shortly after the restart, captain Wilfred Ndidi doubled the lead with another header, before Lookman struck from close range in the second half to seemingly put the contest beyond reach.
However, Tunisia refused to surrender. Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a late header, and moments later, Ali Al-Abdi converted a controversial penalty to make it 3–2, setting up a frantic ending. Tunisia pushed for an equaliser, but Nigeria held firm, with late chances from Ferjani Sassi and substitute Ismael Gharbi narrowly missing the target during stoppage time.
The victory means Eric Chelle’s side now have six points from two matches, having earlier defeated Tanzania 2–1, and are guaranteed to finish top of Group C. Tunisia sit on three points, while Tanzania and Uganda have one point each ahead of the final group fixtures on Tuesday.
Nigeria, appearing in their seventh AFCON meeting with Tunisia, will now face one of the best third-placed teams in the last 16 as they continue their quest for continental glory.
