Nigeria edge Tunisia 3–2 in AFCON thriller to book last-16 spot
Nigeria booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 after edging past Tunisia 3–2 in a pulsating Group C encounter in Fez, surviving a dramatic late comeback attempt to make it two wins from two at the tournament.
The Super Eagles appeared firmly in control after goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman put them three goals clear. But a spirited Tunisia response, featuring strikes from Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi, ensured a nervy finish before Nigeria finally held on to secure qualification.
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The victory confirms Nigeria’s progression to the knockout stage, underlining their growing confidence on the continental stage despite recent disappointment in World Cup qualifying.
Osimhen finally breaks through
Nigeria dominated much of the opening half, though their superiority was not immediately reflected on the scoreboard. Osimhen was heavily involved early on, but his finishing threatened to become a concern.
The Napoli striker headed narrowly over from an Akor Adams cross before missing another difficult aerial chance moments later. He then found the net in the 18th minute, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
As Tunisia gradually settled into the contest, Nigeria eventually made their pressure count just before the interval. In the 44th minute, Ademola Lookman delivered a superb cross from the left, and Osimhen powered a header beyond Aymen Dahmen at the far post to give the Super Eagles a deserved lead.
Nigeria run riot after the break
Nigeria wasted no time asserting control in the second half. Just five minutes after the restart, Wilfred Ndidi doubled the advantage, rising highest to meet Lookman’s corner with a thumping header.
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The contest seemed settled in the 67th minute when Osimhen surged down the right flank and pulled the ball back into the box. Lookman showed composure and balance to sidestep a defender before firing a close-range effort that went in off the post, making it 3–0.
At that point, Tunisia looked overwhelmed, and Nigeria appeared to be cruising comfortably toward the knockout rounds.
Tunisia rally sparks late drama
Tunisia, however, refused to surrender. Their comeback began in the 74th minute when Montassar Talbi met Hannibal Mejbri’s free-kick with a powerful header into the bottom corner.
Nigeria nerves were further tested late on when Bright Osayi-Samuel was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box during a tussle. After consulting the pitchside monitor, referee Boubou Traore awarded a penalty.
Ali Abdi stepped up and dispatched the spot-kick confidently in the 87th minute, setting up a frantic finale. Tunisia pushed hard in the seven minutes of added time, with Ferjani Sassi going agonisingly close on two occasions, but Nigeria defended resolutely to protect their slender lead.
Group C Picture takes shape
The win takes Nigeria to six points from two matches, guaranteeing qualification for the round of 16 and placing them in a commanding position ahead of the final group fixtures.
Tunisia remain second in Group C with three points, while earlier in the day Uganda and Tanzania played out a 1–1 draw, leaving both sides with work to do to keep their tournament hopes alive.
SportsLigue