Nigeria Beat Tunisia in Five-Goal AFCON Thriller to Seal Round of 16 Spot

The Super Eagles booked their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 after a dramatic 3–2 win over Tunisia in their Group C clash at the Fez Stadium in Morocco on Saturday night.

Nigeria raced into a commanding 3–0 lead, with Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman all finding the back of the net. Osimhen opened the scoring just before halftime, heading home from a superb Lookman cross, before Ndidi headed in a corner-taken goal early in the second half his first ever for Nigeria and Lookman wrapped up the trio of goals with a composed finish.

Tunisia mounted a spirited fightback late on, with Montassar Talbi scoring in the 74th minute and Ali Abdi converting a penalty in the 87th minute. Despite their late resurgence, Tunisia couldn’t find an equaliser as Nigeria held on to secure victory and advance to the knockout stage with a game to spare.

Final Score Nigeria 3–2 Tunisia

Goals: Osimhen (44′), Ndidi (50′), Lookman (67′); Talbi (74′), Abdi (87′).

Editorial

There are football victories defined by dominance, and then there are those tempered by drama. Nigeria’s 3–2 win over Tunisia in Fez was very much the latter: a game of two halves, where clinical first-half execution met a blistering late fightback, and where mental resolve proved as decisive as tactical intent.

When the Super Eagles surged to a 3–0 advantage, this looked like a performance poised for comfortable progression. Osimhen’s header long awaited in this tournament carried a sense of release and momentum Ndidi’s maiden international goal was theatre in its own right, a midfield general finally converting a towering opportunity; and Lookman’s goal capped a display of sharp attacking fluency.

Yet football has a way of reminding winners that nothing is secured until the final whistle. Tunisia’s late goals, sparked first by Talbi’s glancing header and later an emphatic penalty by Abdi, shifted the narrative, drawing the visitors back into contention and testing Nigeria’s composure. In those final tense moments, the defensive discipline and sheer will to hold firm revealed a side not merely riding its attacking strengths but capable of enduring pressure.

This win does more than add three points to Nigeria’s AFCON ledger. It places the Super Eagles with two victories in as many games in the last 16 as favourites with confidence and momentum on their side. The duel against Tunisia also displayed a crucial characteristic in tournament football the ability to manage both the euphoria of control and the anxiety of pressure. Teams that master this psychological duality often go deep.

For supporters who crave a blend of artistry and grit, this match delivered. It affirmed that Nigeria’s blend of experienced leadership and youthful invention can carry them forward provided they balance that spark with a steelier finish. As the Eagles look toward the knockouts, this night in Fez will be remembered not just for the scoreline, but for the character it revealed and the belief it nurtured in a squad capable of answering every call the tournament throws their way.

Did You Know?

1. Ndidi’s First Goal Wilfred Ndidi’s goal against Tunisia was his first ever for the Super Eagles, and came from a corner taken by Ademola Lookman.
2. Lookman’s Key Role Ademola Lookman was directly involved in all three Nigerian goals — two assists and one goal — and was widely reported as a standout performer.
3. Three-Goal Lead Before Tunisia’s Fightback Nigeria led 3–0 into the final third of the game before Tunisia scored twice, a rare comeback effort in AFCON group play.
4. Nigeria’s Unique Record This win marked the first time Tunisia conceded three goals at a single AFCON tournament since 2013.
5. Historic Upswing With this victory, Nigeria became the second team after Egypt to secure qualification to the AFCON 2025 Round of 16.