The Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified early for the Round of 16 at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after defeating Tunisia 3–2 in a pulsating Group C clash on Tuesday night, December 27.
Goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman put Nigeria in firm control before a late Tunisian fightback set up a nervy finish. The victory gives Nigeria a perfect two wins from two matches, sealing qualification with a game to spare.
Osimhen opened the scoring in the 44th minute, reacting quickest inside the box to convert after good work from Lookman. The goal settled the Super Eagles heading into halftime.
Just five minutes into the second half, Ndidi doubled Nigeria’s lead with a superb header — his first-ever goal for the Super Eagles.
Nigeria went 3–0 up in the 67th minute, when Lookman finished off a flowing move, this time assisted by Osimhen.
Tunisia, however, refused to give in. Montassar Talbi struck in the 74th minute to make it 3–1, before Ali Abdi converted an 87th-minute penalty, cutting the deficit to just one and setting up a tense finale.
The Super Eagles ultimately held on, remaining top of Group C with six points, while Tunisia stay second on three points. Tanzania and Uganda sit below them in the standings.
With qualification secured, Nigeria will face Uganda in their final group game with less pressure, while Tunisia must now get a result against Tanzania on December 30 to keep their knockout hopes alive.