Super Eagles edge Tunisia 3-2, seal AFCON knockout spot

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have secured their place in the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a 3-2 victory over the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia on Saturday. The match, held at the Fez Stadium in Morocco, saw Nigeria dominate for 70 minutes before surviving a late Tunisian onslaught.
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‎Victor Osimhen scored the opening goal with a header at exactly 44 minutes. Wilfred Ndidi doubled the lead with a dangerous header from the corner at 50 minutes into the game. Ademola Lookman clinically scored the finisher, giving Nigeria 3 goals lead at 67 minutes.
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‎Nigeria appeared to be cruising to a comfortable win after going up 3-0, but a late goal from Tunisia turned the final ten minutes unpredictable.
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‎Montassar Talbi scored a cancellation goal after a brilliant header at the 74 minutes. Tunisia was awarded a controversial penalty in the 86th minute after a VAR check ruled a handball against Bright Osayi-Samuel, which led to a goal by Ali Abdi.
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‎For the first time in this tournament, Nigeria’s big three, Osimhen, Ndidi, and Lookman, all found the back of the net in the same game.
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‎Despite the late pressure, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and the defense held firm through seven minutes of stoppage time, with Tunisia’s Ferjani Sassi heading inches wide in the final seconds.