Super Eagles Edge Tunisia In Five Goal Afcon Thriller
Nigeria survived a late Tunisia fightback to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory in their Africa Cup of Nations Group C clash, with goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman proving decisive in Fes.
Nigeria strengthened their grip on Group C with a hard fought 3-2 win over Tunisia in an entertaining Africa Cup of Nations encounter at the Complexe Sportif de Fes.
The Super Eagles started on the front foot, pressing high and creating early chances through Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Tunisia struggled to cope with Nigeria’s intensity but remained organised at the back, relying on set pieces and counter attacks to relieve pressure.
Nigeria finally broke the deadlock in the 44th minute. Lookman delivered a teasing cross from the right, and Osimhen reacted quickest inside the six yard box to power a close range header beyond Aymen Dahmen. The goal reflected Nigeria’s dominance in the first half and sent them into the break with a deserved lead.
The momentum stayed with Nigeria after the restart, and they doubled their advantage five minutes into the second half. Wilfred Ndidi rose highest from a corner, guiding his header straight down the middle to make it 2-0 and put Tunisia under serious pressure.
Tunisia were rocked, and Nigeria sensed blood. In the 67th minute, the Super Eagles struck again on the counter attack. Osimhen turned provider this time, slipping the ball into the path of Lookman, who calmly slotted a left footed finish into the bottom corner to stretch the lead to 3-0.
Just when the game appeared settled, Tunisia mounted a late comeback. In the 74th minute, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a well placed header following a set piece, giving the North Africans renewed belief.
The tension rose further seven minutes from time when Tunisia were awarded a penalty after a VAR review for handball. Ali Abdi stepped up and confidently converted from the spot in the 87th minute to cut the deficit to 3-2 and set up a nervy finale.
Tunisia threw everything forward in the closing stages, forcing Nigeria to defend deep as stoppage time stretched on. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was booked for time wasting as the Super Eagles looked to manage the clock, while Tunisia came close with late headers and long range efforts.
Nigeria held firm through eight minutes of added time to seal a crucial victory, showing attacking quality and resilience under pressure. The result boosts their hopes of topping Group C, while Tunisia are left needing a response in their remaining fixtures.
