Nigeria produced a spectacular display in Fez to edge Tunisia 3-2 in their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Group C showdown, booking their place in the last 16 with a dramatic late surge. The Super Eagles took control in a pulsating encounter before holding firm against a North African fight-back.

Victor Osimhen opened the scoring just before half-time in the 44th minute from a well-worked Lookman cross to give Nigeria a deserved 1-0 lead at the break.

Nigeria struck again early in the second half in the 50th minute as captain Wilfred Ndidi powered a header into the net from a well-placed delivery, giving the Super Eagles a commanding 2-0 advantage and turning the match firmly in their favour.

With their confidence high, Nigeria’s slick attacking play produced a third goal in the 67th minute. Ademola Lookman showed composure and class to finish off a flowing team move, leaving the Carthage Eagles reeling.

Tunisia refused to go quietly as Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header in the 74th minute before Ali Abdi converted a penalty in the 87th minute to make it 3-2, sparking late tension. But Nigeria held firm to secure a crucial victory.

The result hands Nigeria six points from two matches and virtually guarantees their progression to the AFCON 2025 round of 16. It also provides a huge morale boost as they eye a deep run in Morocco, while Tunisia must now wait on other results to determine their own fate in Group C.

Faridah Abdulkadiri

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