Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia: Report, result and goals as Super Eagles progress to knockouts
The Super Eagles managed to withstand a late resurgence.
Nigeria secured a spot in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations by triumphing in an exciting match against Tunisia, finishing 3-2 in Fez.
The Super Eagles’ inability to qualify for the 2026 World Cup stands in stark contrast to Tunisia, who earned their place in the finals in North America without conceding any goals.
However, the Group C match featuring two historic African powerhouses provided a captivating and high-scoring spectacle, as Nigeria seemed to be in total control after goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfried Ndidi, and the impressive Ademola Lookman gave them a 3-0 lead.
Nevertheless, Tunisia demonstrated admirable tenacity, with Montassar Talbi scoring one goal back before Ali Abdi’s penalty set the stage for a thrilling conclusion, yet Nigeria managed to hold on for a total of six points from two matches.
Nigeria takes charge
Throughout the first half, Nigeria appeared to be the stronger side, although Osimhen’s missed opportunities were a source of frustration for the Super Eagles early on.
He narrowly headed over from a right-wing cross delivered by Akor Adams, and later failed to convert a more challenging chance with another header off target.
Osimhen did find the net in the 18th minute, but only after clearly being caught offside as Nigeria struggled to capitalize on their advantage.
As the half progressed, Tunisia seemed to find their footing, but they fell behind in the 44th minute when an exquisite left-wing cross from Ademola Lookman was met with a well-placed finish from Osimhen, whose header at the far post proved too powerful for Aymen Dahmen.
Dahmen was beaten once more five minutes into the second half, as Ndidi rose to connect with Lookman’s brilliant corner delivery, doubling the Super Eagles’ lead.
The match appeared to be secured when Osimhen made a run down the right and pulled the ball back for Lookman, who exhibited remarkable patience and composure to maneuver past a defender before firing a close-range shot that Dahmen could only deflect in off the post.
Tunisia’s comeback attempt falls short
However, after going 3-0 down, Tunisia found renewed energy, and Talbi ignited their hopes of a stunning comeback in the 74th minute.
The defender from Lorient met a free-kick from Hannibal Mejbri with a powerful header into the bottom-right corner, and Nigeria’s nerves were further tested three minutes before the end of regular time.
Bright Osayi-Samuel was hit on the arm by a ball in the box while tussling with an opponent, and after a review at the pitchside monitor, referee Boubou Traore awarded a penalty.
Ali Abdi confidently converted the penalty, but Tunisia was unable to capitalize during the seven minutes of added time, with Ferjani Sassi coming agonizingly close twice as Nigeria clung on for their progress.
Published: 2025-12-27 22:09:00
source: www.101greatgoals.com
