Nigeria built a comfortable 3-0 lead with goals from Victor Osimhen just before halftime, Wilfred Ndidi early in the second half, and Ademola Lookman in the 67th minute. Ademola Lookman was named Man of the Match after scoring once and assisting the other two goals. Tunisia mounted a late comeback effort. Montassar Talbi scored their first goal with a header in the 74th minute, and Ali Abdi converted a controversial penalty in the 87th minute to make it 3-2. Nigeria managed to hold on through a tense finish to secure the victory.Nigeria's thrilling 3-2 victory over Tunisia in the AFCON 2025 group stage was arguably the most entertaining match of the tournament so far, a five-goal spectacle that secured the Super Eagles' place in the knockout rounds. The match in Fes, Morocco, on December 27, 2025, was a tale of two halves: Nigerian dominance followed by a nervy, late Tunisian surge. Match Breakdown The game unfolded as a tactical battle, with Nigeria's coach Eric Chelle opting for a shored-up midfield to counter Tunisia's strengths, while Tunisia employed a more conservative formation. First Half & Early Second Half Dominance: Nigeria established control, creating several chances before Victor Osimhen finally broke the deadlock just before halftime with a powerful header from an Ademola Lookman cross. The momentum continued into the second half as Wilfred Ndidi scored his first international goal from a Lookman corner, and Lookman himself capped a superb performance with a goal in the 67th minute, making it 3-0. Tunisia's Late Fightback: Just as Nigeria seemed to be cruising to a comfortable win, Tunisia mounted a spirited comeback. Montassar Talbi scored with a header in the 74th minute, and Ali Abdi converted a controversial penalty in the 87th minute to reduce the deficit to one goal. Tunisia pressed hard for an equalizer in a tense finish, with captain Ferjani Sassi notably heading inches wide in stoppage time, but Nigeria held on for the vital win.
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Significance and Impact The result carried significant implications for both teams' tournament trajectories. Nigeria's Qualification and Statement: The win confirmed Nigeria as Group C winners, assuring them of a place in the Round of 16 regardless of their final group game result against Uganda. Scoring three goals against a Tunisia side that didn't concede once during their World Cup qualifiers was a "massive" statement of Nigeria's attacking prowess and potential as serious contenders for the AFCON title. Ademola Lookman's Pivotal Role: Ademola Lookman's stellar performance (one goal, two assists) was a major takeaway, demonstrating his quality and proving to be the creative spark the team needed. Defensive Concerns for Nigeria: The late scare, however, exposed issues with game management and momentary defensive lapses under pressure, which coach Eric Chelle acknowledged as areas for improvement moving forward in the knockout stages. Tunisia's Learning Experience: For Tunisia, the loss was bitter, but it showed they can compete with any opponent when they impose their style of play. Tunisian right-back Yan Valery admitted the team had "too much respect for Nigeria" early on and the match served as a crucial learning experience to be more aggressive in future games. They remain in a strong position to qualify for the next round in their final match against Tanzania. This captivating encounter is expected to echo long after the group stage concludes, highlighting Nigeria's high ceiling while also providing valuable lessons for both teams as the tournament progresses.
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