AFCON 2025: Nigeria Hold Off Tunisia Scare to Seal Last-16 Place

Nigeria secured their place in the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after surviving a dramatic late fightback from Tunisia to claim a tense 3–2 victory in Group C on Saturday night in Fes.

Headers from Victor Osimhen and Wilfred Ndidi on either side of half-time, followed by a close-range finish from Ademola Lookman, appeared to have put the Super Eagles firmly in control. However, late goals from Montassar Talbi and Ali Al-Abdi ensured a nervous finale before Nigeria finally saw out the contest.

Eric Chelle’s side, seeking redemption at the tournament after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, are now guaranteed progression as Group C winners. The Super Eagles have collected six points from their opening two matches, having edged Tanzania 2–1 in their opening fixture earlier in the week.

First-Half Dominance Rewarded

Nigeria dominated proceedings from the outset and were unfortunate not to take the lead earlier. Osimhen blazed over after five minutes following a neat pass from Bright Osayi-Samuel, before the striker again headed wide moments later from an excellent Akor Adams delivery.

Strong attacking interplay continued to trouble Tunisia’s backline. On 15 minutes, Adams’ work down the right created an opening for Frank Onyeka — introduced to midfield in place of Samuel Chukwueze to offer greater control — but the Brentford midfielder lacked sharpness in front of goal.

Osimhen later saw another effort denied after Aymen Dahmen parried an Adams shot into his path, while Tunisia struggled to cope with Nigeria’s varied attacking threat. The Carthage Eagles did threaten sporadically, with Hazem Mastouri squeezed out in the penalty area and Onyeka forced to clear nervously from an Ali Al-Abdi cross.

Nigeria’s pressure finally told in the 44th minute when Osimhen rose highest to meet Lookman’s inviting right-footed cross, sending a powerful header beyond Dahmen, despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the ball.

At the interval, Nigeria had enjoyed 70 per cent possession and completed 247 passes compared to Tunisia’s 87, underlining their control of the contest.

Second-Half Control Turns Tense

The pattern remained unchanged after the restart, and Nigeria doubled their advantage in the 50th minute. Ndidi rose above the Tunisian defence to power home a header from Lookman’s corner, further reflecting the Super Eagles’ aerial dominance.

Tempers flared as the match wore on, with Osimhen’s animated celebration in front of the Tunisian bench adding edge to the encounter. Semi Ajayi was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card for a late challenge on Hannibal Mejbri, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali avoided punishment after colliding with Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane while rushing off his line.

Nigeria appeared to have settled the contest in the 67th minute when Lookman finished from close range after Osimhen’s cutback, converting his second attempt after the first was blocked.

Late Tunisia Fightback

Backed by a vocal crowd of more than 25,000 at the Complexe Sportive de Fes, Tunisia finally found momentum late on. Talbi headed home Mejbri’s free-kick in the 74th minute, with Nwabali appearing to lose his footing as the ball came in.

Pressure mounted in the closing stages, and Tunisia were awarded a penalty following a VAR review when the ball struck Osayi-Samuel’s arm in the box. Despite protests that the defender was making a natural jumping motion, Al-Abdi converted confidently to reduce the deficit and spark a frantic finish.

Both sides had late opportunities. Substitute Chidera Ejuke fired straight at Dahmen, while Ferjani Sassi squandered a golden chance for Tunisia, heading wide when unmarked inside the area.

Nigeria ultimately held on, though the concession of two late goals will raise questions about their defensive concentration. Chelle, however, will take encouragement from a commanding performance for much of the match as his side look ahead to the knockout rounds.