Dramatic Match Unfolds
From the opening whistle, Nigeria pressed high, carving chances through relentless crosses and midfield control. Victor Osimhen rose highest in the 44th minute to head in the opener, sending the Eagles into halftime ahead. Wilfred Ndidi doubled the lead early in the second half with a thunderous header from a corner, while Ademola Lookman extended it to 3-0 in the 67th via a slick low shot off the post.
Tunisia mounted a fierce comeback, pulling one back through Montassar Talbi's 74th-minute free-kick header before Ali Abdi converted a late VAR penalty in the 87th to make it 3-2. Despite the late scare, Stanley Nwabali's backline stood tall to preserve the win.
Standout Stars Shine Osimhen's aerial dominance set the tone, Ndidi anchored midfield with grit and a goal, and Lookman dazzled with his finish plus key assists—earning man-of-the-match honors. Tunisia's resilience shone through Talbi and Abdi, but Nigeria's set-piece mastery proved decisive.
Path Forward This result tops Group C for Nigeria after their earlier 2-1 win over Tanzania, setting up a final group clash with Uganda on December 30. Coach Eric Chelle's side advances with momentum, blending youth and experience for knockout glory, while Tunisia fights for survival.
Source of News https://allnigeriasoccer.com/nigeria-3-2-tunisia-osimhen-ndidi-lookman-fire-super-eagles-into-afcon-round-of-16 https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/65/1278/559394/AFCON-/News/Match-facts-Nigeria-v-Tunisia-AFCON-.aspx https://www.flashscore.com/news/football-tracker-nigeria-qualify-for-afcon-knockouts-after-thrilling-win-over-tunisia/QgA3dzM0/ https://nigerianbulletin.com/ams/tunisia-tops-group-c-after-dominant-win-overtaking-nigeria-on-opening-night.22489/