AFCON 2025: Nigeria edge Tunisia and qualifies for knockout phase
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All original articlesThe group C clash between Nigeria and Tunisia has kept all its promises. At the end of a thrilling and prolific goal-scoring encounter, it is the Super Eagles who emerge winners over the Carthage Eagles. With 6 points out of 6 possible, Nigeria is qualified for the eighth final and assured to finish first in this pool.
The Lookman - Oshimen pair on fire
It is the reigning vice-champions of Africa who are taking the lead in this first period. No less than 10 shots recorded for Éric Chelle’s men but only 1 on target. One of the two on-target attempts will be the good one with Victor Oshimen, who heads off a marvellous cross from Ademola Lookman at the 44th minute. The Super Eagles lead getting into the break.
Upon returning from the locker rooms, the Nigerians soon detached themselves. Still at the helm, the unbearable Lookman. The striker of Atalanta Bergamo is once again a decisive passer in the 50th minute on this corner perfectly picking out Wilfred Ndidi who heads home Nigeria's second of the night. The captain of the Super Eagles is rewarded with a solid performance in the midfield. Two goals to zero, then 3-0 after this action on quick transition. Launched full axis, Oshimen ideally serves Ademola Lookman who shows composure, dismantles the Tunisian defenders before cheating on Aymen Dahmen.
Tunisia almost came back from hell
The meeting, which then seemed to turn towards a demonstration of the Super Eagles, takes a different turn at the 74th minute. On a free kick perfectly executed by Hannibal Mejbri, Mountassar Talbi reduces the score with a headbutt that deceives Nwabani. The reinvigorated Tunisians throw themselves into the assault on the Nigerian goal repeatedly.
The suspense is completely reignited when Mountassar Talbi gets a penalty. Ali Abdi takes settles this one easily and sets up a nervy final minutes in the game.
With 7 additional minutes on the clock it was evident to smell a last goal in the game but as it was, Tunisia threw all they could but could not find the back of the Nigerian net for the third time.
Victory 3-2 for Nigeria, carried by its duo of African Players of the Year Oshimen and Lookman. The Super Eagles validate their ticket for the eighth finals and are already assured of finishing first in group C. Tunisia will have to put out the big game against Tanzania to validate their qualification.