Fes, Morocco: In a night of fireworks and frayed nerves, Nigeria’s Super Eagles outlasted Tunisia 3–2 in a Group C thriller to defeat Tunisia 3–2 in their second Group C match of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
The victory keeps Nigeria firmly on course for the knockout stages, while Tunisia faces an uphill battle to stay alive in the tournament.
Like a firework bursting across the night sky, Nigeria wasted no time asserting dominance. Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock with a clinical finish after Alex Iwobi’s clever through ball in the 12th minute.
Akor Adams doubled the lead with a towering header from Ademola Lookman’s cross, sending Nigerian fans into raptures. Lookman himself added a third before halftime, capping off a sweeping team move that left Tunisia reeling at 3–0.
Tunisia also showed a spirited response, with the Carthage Eagles refusing to surrender.
Montassar Talbi pulled one back early in the second half with a powerful header from Hannibal Mejbri’s set-piece. Tunisia grew in confidence, and in the 78th minute, Ali Abdi converted a penalty after Bright Osayi-Samuel was penalized for handball, cutting the deficit to 3–2.
It was a nerve-wracking finale with momentum on their side, Tunisia pressed relentlessly in the closing stages. Youssef Msakni and Mejbri both tested goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who stood firm with crucial saves to preserve Nigeria’s lead.
The final whistle sparked celebrations among Nigerian supporters, relieved after a tense finish.
Coach José Peseiro tactically deployed a bold 4-3-3 formation, pairing Osimhen and Adams in attack with Lookman wide.
In the same vein, midfield trio Ndidi, Onyeka, and Iwobi provided balance, while Bruno Onyemaechi replaced Zaidu Sanusi at full-back. And Nigeria’s attacking transitions proved decisive, though lapses in concentration nearly cost them late on.
Nigeria tops Group C with six points, virtually securing a place in the Round of 16. Tunisia must win its final group fixture to keep knockout hopes alive.
Tanzania and DR Congo remain in contention, but Nigeria’s commanding position makes them favorites to advance.
Coach Peseiro praised his team’s attacking flair but admitted concern over defensive lapses: “We must learn to close games better. At 3–0, we should not allow opponents back in.”
Osimhen, man of the match, said: “We showed character. Tunisia pushed us hard, but we held on. This win is for our fans back home.”
With six points from two games, Nigeria’s march toward AFCON glory has begun in earnest.