Nigeria are through to the knockout round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following the Super Eagles’ thrilling 3-1 win over Tunisia at the Fès Stadium on Saturday night, footynaija.com reports.
The two former champions played out one of the most entertaining games of the tournament so far with Nigeria edging it thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Lookman will be in with a big shout for the Man-of-the-Match award as he registered two assists and a goal in what is arguably his best showing for Nigeria.
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle made two changes to the squad that defeated Tanzania 2-1 on matchday one. The Malian tactician named left-back Bruno Onyemaechi and midfielder Frank Onyeka in place of Zaidu Sanusi and Samuel Chukwueze.
The Super Eagles new system gave Nigeria a foothold in midfield allowing the three-time African champions to dominate their North African rivals.
Still, chances were few and far between as Tunisia were more than happy to keep Osimhen and co at bay.
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The dynamics of the game changed shortly before half-time as Nigeria found the opener through Osimhen. Onyemaechi released Lookman on the far side and the Atalanta sent a precise cross for Osimhen to glance home for his second-ever AFCON goal.
Tunisia were condemned to respond but it was Nigeria who grabbed the second goal five minutes into the second half. Lookman again floated another excellent kick from a corner into the box which Ndidi met with a powerful header.
It was the Besiktas man’s first ever goal for Nigeria and one he will cherish for a long time, coming in only his second game as Super Eagles permanent captain.
Shortly after, Nigeria made it three-nil, Lookman capping his brilliant performance with a stunning finish after a well-worked team goal that saw Osimhen claim an assist.
It would have been Nigeria’s biggest win at the AFCON in 12 years had the Super Eagles hold on to that scoreline. However, Tunisia had other ideas.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali should have done way better as the ball, from a Montassar Talbi header, rolled under his arms in the 74th minute.
Tunisia scared Nigeria even more after VAR caught a Bright Osayi-Samuel handball and Ali Abdi expertly converted the resultant penalty kick to further reduced the deficit.
However, despite a late flurry from the Tunisians, the Super Eagles held on to claim their second win in Morocco.
Nigeria now sit top of Group C with six points ahead of Tunisia who boast three while Tanzania and Uganda each have one following their 1-1 draw earlier today.
The Super Eagles will face Uganda on December 30th in their final group game with a positive result enough to seal top spot and a favourable draw in the next round.
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