Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeated Tunisia 3-2 in the second game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Nigeria withstood a late Tunisian attack to secure a crucial victory at Morocco’s Stade Foot Fès on Saturday.
The victory qualified the Eagles for the second round of the competition.
Nigeria almost gave up a three-goal lead in the nail-biting contest, which erupted in the closing 20 minutes.
Eric Chelle, the Eagles’ head coach, made only two changes to the starting lineup that defeated Tanzania in their opening game. Bruno Onyemaechi and Frank Onyenka replaced Zaidu Sanusi and Samuel Chukwueze.
The coach kept Akor Adam and Victor Osimhen’s front-line duo, with Ademola Lookman granted positional latitude behind them.
Just a minute before halftime, two of Nigeria’s front three combined to score the country’s first goal. Lookman found Osimhen’s head in the Tunisian box, and the Galatasaray striker put the Eagles ahead.
The goal was Osimhen’s second in nine AFCON games, and it could not have come at a better moment.
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 capped up his outstanding effort with a goal in the 67th minute. Osimhen spotted him running into the box with a cutback. Lookman dipped his shoulders many times to lose his marker before firing a shot past the defence bodies and into the net.
Nigeria dominated the match until Tunisia scored, sparking a comeback. Montassar Talbi’s header rekindled the fire in the 74th minute, and Ali Al-Abdi’s penalty gave them hope for a comeback.
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 lead Group C with six points. Tunisia ranks second with three, while Uganda and Tanzania each have one.
Nigeria will face Uganda in the last group stage encounter on December 30.
