Nigeria survived a dramatic late surge from Tunisia to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory in Fez on Saturday night, becoming the second team to book their place in the Round of 16 at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025.
In the last game of four thrilling duels in Morocco, the Super Eagles appeared to be cruising after racing into a commanding 3-0 lead. But, a spirited Tunisian comeback in the final quarter turned the contest into a tense affair under the lights. Goals from Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi gave the Carthage Eagles renewed hope, but Nigeria showed composure to hold on and claim a vital win.
Ademola Lookman had delivered a standout performance with two assists and a goal, as Eric Chelle’s side cruised to a commanding lead. A pinpoint delivery from the left by Lookman picked out Victor Osimhen, who rose powerfully to head home the opener a minute to halftime.
The striker’s threat from aerial balls had earlier posed a threat to Tunisia, seeing two of his headers fly inches over. Carrying their momentum into the second half, Nigeria needed only four minutes after the restart to double their advantage.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi towered above the defense to nod in a Lookman corner. The 2024 CAF African Player of the Year then capped a superb individual display in the 66th minute, rifling a left-footed strike into the net from inside the box after a clever cut-back by Osimhen. Tunisia however refused to fold.
In the 75th minute, Talbi reduced the deficit with a precise header from Hannibal Mejbri’s well-delivered free-kick. The goal sparked belief, and 10 minutes later the North Africans were handed a lifeline when VAR ruled that Bright Osayi-Samuel had handled the ball inside the area. Ali Abdi stepped up confidently, smashing the penalty into the roof of the net to set up a nervy finish.
Tunisia came agonizingly close to completing the comeback in stoppage time, but captain Ferjani Sassi’s header drifted inches wide. Nigeria ultimately held firm to register a second successive win, moving to six points and top of Group C.
They face Uganda in the final match in Fez next Tuesday while Tunisia, who are on three points, travel to Rabat to face Tanzania.
CAF.
