Ademola Lookman was at the heart of all three Nigeria goals as the Super Eagles held off a late Tunisia fightback to secure a 3-2 victory, confirming their place in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) round of 16.
The match began competitively, but both goalkeepers were largely untested in the early stages. Hannibal Mejbri’s early effort was snatched at, while Victor Osimhen saw two headers from promising positions go wide within the first 11 minutes.
Osimhen thought he had opened the scoring after Akor Adams’ shot was parried, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Osimhen. Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
Nigeria eventually took control midway through the first half. Lookman’s precise cross found Osimhen, who rose highest to power a header past Tunisia’s goalkeeper, giving the Super Eagles a deserved lead. Despite the scoreline, Nigeria’s dominance in midfield and sharpness in exploiting defensive gaps were evident throughout the half.
The second half saw Nigeria extend their advantage. Wilfred Ndidi climbed highest to head home Lookman’s corner, marking his first-ever goal for the national team.
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Lookman then completed his personal contribution with a clinical finish following a slick team move that left the Tunisian defence exposed, giving Nigeria a seemingly comfortable 3-0 lead.
Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
Tunisia, however, refused to go quietly. Montassar Talbi’s towering header from a Hannibal Mejbri free kick reduced the deficit, and Ali Abdi converted a penalty in the 87th minute after Bright Osayi-Samuel’s handball, reigniting hopes of an unlikely comeback. Ferjani Sassi came agonisingly close to an equaliser in stoppage time, only for his header to narrowly miss.
The result marks Nigeria’s seventh win in their last eight AFCON group-stage matches, underlining their consistency in the tournament.
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It also hands Tunisia their first defeat in five games, though the Eagles of Carthage remain second in Group C ahead of their final group fixture against Tanzania. Nigeria will face Uganda in their last group match, already assured of progression to the knockout stages.
