Nigeria passed a major test in AFCON 2025 Group C, beating Tunisia 3-2 in a wild contest at the Complexe Sportif de Fès. The Super Eagles raced into a 3-0 lead, then had to hold on as Tunisia roared back late. With this win, Nigeria book their place in the round of 16 and keep momentum after their opening victory over Tanzania.

Fast start, fast hands: Nigeria take control

From the first whistle, Nigeria looked sharp. They pressed, ran hard, and found space behind Tunisia’s lines. The breakthrough came just before the break. At 44 minutes, Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s star striker, finished with the calm of a leader. That goal mattered because it rewarded a strong half and set the tone for the second.

Soon after half-time, the advantage doubled. Wilfred Ndidi struck at 50 minutes, giving Nigeria clear control and the confidence to keep the ball. The Super Eagles kept the pressure going, and by 67 minutes, Ademola Lookman added the third. At 3-0, the game looked done. Nigeria were flying, and Tunisia were chasing shadows.

“Three up with 20 to go — the Super Eagles looked like title contenders.”

Osimhen, Ndidi, Lookman: leaders in the big moments

Osimhen’s opener was all about timing and belief. He led the line, fought defenders, and stayed alive for the key chance. Ndidi’s goal underlined Nigeria’s control in midfield; he read the game and struck when it mattered. Lookman’s finish was the spark that seemed to shut the door on Tunisia.

These are not just names on a score sheet. They are the spine of this team. Osimhen brings pace and power. Ndidi brings balance. Lookman brings flair and final product. When they click, Nigeria look like a side that can go deep in this tournament.

“Osimhen may be the headline, but Ndidi and Lookman made the engine roar.”

Tunisia’s late fight: from silence to a scare

Tunisia did not fold. At 74 minutes, Montassar Talbi pulled one back, turning a quiet night into a contest. Then, at 87 minutes, Ali Abdi scored from the penalty spot, cutting the lead to one. From there, the game stretched into 90’+8’ of nerves, blocks, and big clearances.

The late rally will please Tunisia’s coach. It showed spirit, belief, and set-piece threat. But it also showed why Nigeria must stay locked in for the full 90. At this level, no lead is safe if focus slips. Nigeria handled the final wave, but they will know they invited pressure by easing off at 3-0.

Group C picture: Nigeria through, Tunisia still in the mix

With this win, Nigeria move to 6 points (2W-0D-0L) and a +2 goal difference. Tunisia sit on 3 points (1W-0D-1L) with a +1 goal difference. Earlier in the group, Nigeria beat Tanzania 2-1, and Tunisia beat Uganda 3-1. The Super Eagles are through to the round of 16; Tunisia remain well in the fight to join them.

It was also a classic AFCON scene: Nigeria in green, Tunisia in white, a loud crowd in Fès, and a game that swung with emotion. For the neutral, it was drama. For Nigeria, it was a lesson with a happy ending.

“Job done, but that late wobble is a note for the knockout stages.”

Why this Nigeria win matters

First, the result. Reaching the round of 16 with a game to spare is big. It eases pressure and allows rotation if needed. It also sends a message: Nigeria can score in bursts and take control of games against strong teams.

Second, the performance. The front line clicked. The midfield won second balls. The defense, strong for most of the night, learned a key lesson about managing leads. That balance — attack with purpose, defend with focus — will decide how far they go.

Third, the belief. AFCON is often won by teams that grow into the tournament. Two wins from two, good goals from star players, and the experience of riding out a late storm will help this squad mentally. They have now shown they can dominate and also dig in when needed.

Key moments timeline

• 44’ — Victor Osimhen puts Nigeria ahead (1-0).
• 50’ — Wilfred Ndidi doubles the lead (2-0).
• 67’ — Ademola Lookman makes it three (3-0).
• 74’ — Montassar Talbi pulls one back for Tunisia (3-1).
• 87’ — Ali Abdi scores a penalty (3-2).
• 90’+8’ — Full-time whistle: Nigeria hold on.

Tunisia’s takeaways

Tunisia will look at the final 20 minutes and see a path forward. They had the better energy late, they forced mistakes, and they carried a threat on set pieces. There is enough quality in their group to recover quickly. With 3 points on the board and a positive goal difference, their route to the knockouts is still clear.

What’s next for the Super Eagles

Nigeria are through, but the work is not done. The late goals conceded will be a focus in training. Game management, concentration, and control in the final minutes will be key in the knockout rounds. The good news: the goals are flowing, the stars are scoring, and the team’s identity is forming.

AFCON often turns on small details. Nigeria showed they can handle the heat and find answers when the pressure rises. That’s the kind of trait that wins tournaments.

Final word: This was a statement win with a warning label. Nigeria’s attack is humming, the midfield is disciplined, and the path to the last 16 is secured. Fix the late-game lapses, and the Super Eagles will be a team no one wants to face next.