Nigeria Saturday defeated Tunisia 3-2 in a dramatic Group C clash that saw Super Eagles survived a late push from Cathage Eagles at AFCON 2025.
Victor Osimhen had a string of early chances in Fes before having a 17th-minute goal immediately disallowed for offside. But he finally got his first goal of the tournament at the end of the first half, heading in from Ademola Lookman’s deep cross.
The Atalanta winger got his second assist within five minutes of the restart as his inswinging corner was headed in by captain Wilfred Ndidi. And Lookman added the third goal, finishing off the post.
Nigeria were brilliant for more than 70 minutes in that match and showed exactly why they should be considered genuine contenders for the AFCON title. But then showed in the final 20 minutes the exact weakness that cost them the chance of a place at next summer’s World Cup.
Montassar Talbi pulled a goal back for Tunisia before Ali Abdi’s penalty set up a nervy finish for the Nigerians, but they were able to hang on for all three points.
Substitute Emmanuel Ejuke was released into space on the right-hand side and burst into the penalty area. With Osimhen alongside him in support, he went for goal but watched Dahmen beat his effort away — it was far too central and lacked any real power.
They should be commended for ultimately holding off the late Tunisian charge — particularly given the strong north African support in the stands — but that game should have never been so close given the 3-0 lead.
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