Nigeria survive a late scare to beat Tunisia 3-2 and book their spot in the AFCON 2025 Round of 16 as Group C winners.
The Super Eagles delivered a statement performance in Fez on December 27, 2025, overcoming a spirited late comeback from Tunisia to secure a 3-2 victory and early qualification for the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Goals from Victor Osimhen (44′), captain Wilfred Ndidi (50′), and Ademola Lookman (67′) put Nigeria in complete control, cruising at 3-0 with just over 20 minutes left. However, Tunisia refused to go down quietly: Montassar Talbi pulled one back in the 74th minute with a header, and Ali Abdi converted an 87th-minute penalty after a VAR-awarded handball, setting up a frantic finish.
The Super Eagles held firm in stoppage time, with Tunisia coming agonisingly close through headers and volleys that flew just wide. The win gives Nigeria a perfect six points from two games, confirming top spot in Group C with one match to spare.
Match Highlights
- 44′ GOAL! Osimhen breaks his AFCON duck with a powerful header from a Lookman cross – 1-0 Nigeria.
- 50′ GOAL! Ndidi rises highest to head in from a corner – 2-0.
- 67′ GOAL! Osimhen turns provider, dragging the ball across for Lookman to finish coolly – 3-0.
- 74′ Talbi heads home from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick after a slip by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali – 3-1.
- 87′ PENALTY GOAL! Abdi smashes home after VAR spots a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel – 3-2.
- Late drama: Tunisia headers from Ferjani Sassi and others narrowly miss.
Nigeria dominated possession and chances for large spells, showcasing attacking flair that marks them as serious title contenders. The late wobble highlighted familiar defensive vulnerabilities, but the depth and quality shone through.
Player Ratings (Out of 10)
| Player | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stanley Nwabali (GK) | 6 | Solid early, but slip on Talbi’s goal costly. |
| Bright Osayi-Samuel (RB) | 7 | Energetic going forward; unfortunate handball. |
| Semi Ajayi (CB) | 8 | Commanding in the air; rock at the back. |
| Calvin Bassey (CB) | 8 | Strong duels won; composed on the ball. |
| Bruno Onyemaechi (LB) | 7 | Reliable defensively. |
| Wilfred Ndidi (CM) | 9 | Man of the Match – Goal, leadership, midfield dominance. |
| Frank Onyeka (CM) | 7 | Tenacious pressing. |
| Alex Iwobi (CM) | 8 | Creative hub; dictated tempo. |
| Akor Adams (RW) | 7 | Threatening runs. |
| Victor Osimhen (ST) | 9 | Goal + assist; physical presence terrified Tunisia. |
| Ademola Lookman (LW) | 9 | Assist + goal; constant menace with pace and skill. |
Subs: Solid impacts maintaining control.
Group C Standings (After Matchday 2)
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 6 |
| Tunisia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Uganda | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Tanzania | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
Nigeria stay in Fez for their final group game against Uganda on December 30 (5:00 PM WAT). A win would complete a perfect group stage – only the fourth time in Super Eagles history.
Coach Éric Chelle will be relieved but cautious: “We showed quality but must kill games off.” The golden generation is clicking – can they go all the way?
What did you make of the comeback scare? Who was your Man of the Match? Comment below!
