Super Eagles of Nigeria claimed a tense 3–2 victory over Tunisia to secure early qualification from Group C at the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. The match at the Complexe Sportif de Fes brought together two sides who both opened the tournament with wins, and it was the Super Eagles who held on after a frantic finale.
The Super Eagles started with real intent and almost took the lead in the sixth minute when Victor Osimhen headed over from close range. Tunisia struggled to settle early, and in the 17th minute Osimhen reacted quickest to a spill from goalkeeper Dahmen to score, only for the flag to go up immediately for offside. It was yet another disallowed goal for the striker at AFCON level.
Tunisia slowly grew into the contest as the first half progressed, and Abdi went close with a powerful strike from the edge of the box after a corner. However, Nigeria finally broke through in the 42nd minute. Ademola Lookman delivered a teasing cross from the left and Osimhen surged in to power a header past Dahmen for his first goal of the tournament and his 32nd for his country.
The Super Eagles carried that momentum into the second half and doubled their advantage in the 50th minute. A corner from Lookman picked out Wilfred Ndidi, who rose highest to head the ball firmly into the net. The Super Eagles looked fully in control and made it 3–0 in the 67th minute when Osimhen unselfishly cut the ball back in the box for Lookman, who created space and finished low into the corner.
Tunisia fought back strongly in the closing stages. In the 74th minute Talbi headed in from a free kick after Nwabali failed to react, giving the North Africans hope. Twelve minutes later tension rose further when VAR intervened to award Tunisia a penalty for handball. Abdi stepped up and confidently drove the ball into the top corner to make it 3–2.
Seven minutes of added time set up a dramatic finish, with Tunisia throwing everything forward. The best chance fell to Sassi, whose header bounced agonisingly wide with Nwabali rooted to the spot. The Super Eagles survived the late pressure to seal a second straight win and extend their run of scoring in AFCON group matches to eight games.
Nigeria now turn their attention to Uganda on December 30, while Tunisia will face Tanzania as both sides complete their Group C campaigns.
