Nigeria beat Tunisia to Reach AFCON Knockout Stage

The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a dramatic 3–2 victory over Tunisia in their second Group C match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), sealing their place in the knockout round of the competition.

Played on Saturday at the Stade Foot Fès in Morocco, the encounter saw Nigeria survive a late Tunisian surge to claim all three points and remain perfect in the group.

Nigeria dominated large spells of the contest and built a commanding three-goal lead, but the match turned tense in the closing stages as Tunisia mounted a spirited comeback attempt.

Head coach Eric Chelle made just two changes to the side that edged Tanzania in their opening fixture, bringing in Bruno Onyemaechi and Frank Onyenka for Zaidu Sanusi and Samuel Chukwueze. The attacking partnership of Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen was retained, while Ademola Lookman was given freedom to operate behind the forwards.

Nigeria broke the deadlock just before half-time through Osimhen, who nodded home a well-weighted cross from Lookman inside the penalty area. The goal marked Osimhen’s second strike in nine AFCON appearances.

The Super Eagles doubled their advantage five minutes after the restart, with Lookman once again involved. His corner delivery found Wilfred Ndidi, who headed in his first-ever goal for the national team.

Lookman capped a standout performance with a goal of his own in the 67th minute. After being set up by Osimhen, the winger showed composure inside the box before firing past the Tunisian goalkeeper.

Tunisia responded with renewed urgency, pulling one back in the 74th minute through Montassar Talbi’s header. Their hopes of a comeback were further boosted when Ali Al-Abdi converted a penalty, reducing the deficit to one goal.

Despite sustained pressure in the closing minutes, Nigeria held firm to see out the match and secure qualification for the second round.

The Super Eagles now sit top of Group C with six points, followed by Tunisia on three points. Uganda and Tanzania trail with one point each. Nigeria will face Uganda in their final group match on December 30.