Nigeria's Super Eagles advanced to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Tunisia in a pulsating Group C encounter at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fez on Saturday, December 27, 2025. The win gave Nigeria maximum six points from two matches, confirming their qualification for the Round of 16 with one group game remaining and securing top spot in the group.
The three-time African champions dominated much of the contest, racing to a three-goal lead before surviving a late Tunisian resurgence. Victor Osimhen broke his AFCON 2025 goal drought with the opener in the 44th minute, rising to head home a precise cross from Ademola Lookman. Captain Wilfried Ndidi doubled the advantage in the 50th minute, powerfully heading in another Lookman delivery from a corner.
Lookman then sealed what appeared a comfortable lead in the 70th minute, finishing clinically after a clever lay-off from Osimhen. However, Tunisia mounted a dramatic comeback: Montassar Talbi pulled one back in the 74th minute with a header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, exploiting a slip by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. A controversial 87th-minute penalty, awarded via VAR for a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel, was converted by Ali Abdi, setting up a frantic finale.
Tunisia pressed intensely in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading narrowly wide and substitute Ismael Gharbi firing off target, but Nigeria held firm to claim the vital three points. The result marked Nigeria's second consecutive group-stage win, following a narrow victory over Tanzania in their opener.
Coach Eric Chelle praised his team's resilience despite the late scare, noting improvements in every game while acknowledging defensive lapses. The Super Eagles now prepare for their final group fixture against Uganda on Tuesday, December 30, aiming to maintain momentum into the knockouts.
Tunisia, despite the defeat, remain in contention for second place with three points and face Tanzania in their last match. The Carthage Eagles showed spirit in the comeback but struggled to contain Nigeria's attacking trio of Osimhen, Lookman, and support from Alex Iwobi.
This seventh AFCON meeting between the sides saw Nigeria extend their edge in finals encounters. The victory underscores the Super Eagles' credentials as contenders in the tournament hosted by Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
