AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Outclass Tunisia, Seal Early Round Of 16 Spot
Nigeria’s Super Eagles delivered a statement performance in Morocco, blending flair with resilience to secure early qualification for the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The three-time African champions edged Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles 3-2 in an absorbing Group clash in Fès on Saturday, moving into the Round of 16 with a game to spare at the ongoing 35th AFCON finals.
Nigeria dominated proceedings from the opening whistle, pinning Tunisia back with relentless attacking pressure. Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams kept the Tunisian defence under constant strain, setting the tone within the first 15 minutes.
Osimhen saw an early effort ruled out for offside in the 17th minute, but the Napoli forward eventually broke the deadlock just before the break, rising high to head home a deep cross from Lookman in the 44th minute.
The Super Eagles doubled their advantage five minutes after the restart when captain Wilfred Ndidi powered in a header from Lookman’s corner, marking his first senior international goal on his 73rd appearance for Nigeria.
Nigeria’s dominance was capped in the 70th minute as Lookman, already provider for the first two goals, tore through the Tunisian defence to score his second goal of the tournament following a slick team move involving Alex Iwobi and Osimhen.
Iwobi, on his 93rd cap, was outstanding, dictating play with intelligent distribution.
Tunisia staged a late rally, pulling one back through Montassar Talbi’s header from a free-kick before Ali Abdi converted a VAR-awarded penalty in the 87th minute to set up a tense finale.
Despite the late scare, the Super Eagles held their nerve to claim maximum points, climbing to the top of their group with six points ahead of their final group game against Uganda’s Cranes on Tuesday.
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