The Super Eagles of Nigeria announced their arrival at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in emphatic fashion after edging past Tunisia 3-2 in a pulsating Group C encounter that showcased Nigerian flair, resilience and attacking depth.
Played under intense pressure and officiated by Malian referee Boubou Traore, the contest lived up to its billing as one of the tournament’s early classics, with Nigeria’s attacking trio proving decisive in moments that mattered most.
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From the opening whistle, Tunisia attempted to impose themselves, kicking off proceedings with early aggression. Nigeria, however, quickly settled into their rhythm, exchanging sharp passes and patiently probing for openings while dominating possession in the early exchanges.
Victor Osimhen gave Tunisia’s backline an early warning with two close headed efforts in the opening 15 minutes, narrowly missing the target from set pieces as Nigeria pressed high and controlled the tempo. Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams stretched the Tunisian defence with intelligent movement and purposeful runs down the flanks.
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Tunisia responded with spells of possession but struggled to break Nigeria’s compact midfield shield marshalled by Wilfred Ndidi, who dictated play with authority and composure.
The breakthrough arrived in the 44th minute. Ademola Lookman danced his way to the byline and delivered a perfectly weighted cross into the danger area. Victor Osimhen rose above his markers and powered a commanding header past the Tunisian goalkeeper, sending Nigerian supporters into wild celebrations and handing the Super Eagles a deserved lead going into halftime.
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Nigeria emerged from the break with renewed intensity and doubled their advantage in the 49th minute. Lookman’s corner delivery found Wilfred Ndidi, who rose unchallenged to head home emphatically for his first ever goal for the Super Eagles, a moment that crowned a tireless midfield performance.
Tunisia attempted to regroup and circulate possession with patience, but Nigeria’s confidence continued to grow. In the 67th minute, the Super Eagles struck again. Osimhen turned provider this time, slipping a delightful pass into the path of Lookman, who kept his composure to slot a low finish off the post and into the net for Nigeria’s third goal of the night.
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At 3-0 down, Tunisia refused to surrender. A set piece in the 74th minute saw Montassar Talbi head home from Hannibal Mejbri’s free kick, giving the Carthage Eagles a lifeline.
The closing stages brought drama as VAR intervened following a handball appeal against Bright Osayi-Samuel. After review, referee Traore awarded a penalty which Ali Abdi converted confidently to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
Despite late pressure, Nigeria held firm. Stanley Nwabali made crucial interventions as Tunisia pushed forward desperately in added time, but the Super Eagles defended with maturity and composure to see out a famous victory.
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The final whistle confirmed Nigeria’s rise to the top of Group C and underlined their credentials as serious contenders for the AFCON 2025 title.
Ademola Lookman was the standout performer on the night, delivering a man-of-the-match display with one goal, two assists and an all-action performance that symbolized Nigeria’s attacking ambition. Victor Osimhen once again proved decisive, while Wilfred Ndidi anchored midfield with authority.
Another AFCON night, another statement from the Super Eagles.
