Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a vital 3-2 victory over Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles in a high-stakes 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group C qualifier on Saturday, December 27, 2025. The thrilling encounter, held at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Morocco, saw Nigeria clinch all three points, significantly bolstering their prospects for a coveted knockout-stage spot in the continent’s premier football tournament. Star striker Victor Osimhen and winger Ademola Lookman were among the goal-scorers who propelled Nigeria to this crucial win.
The crucial fixture unfolded with intense attacking intent from both sides, though Nigeria demonstrated early superiority in possession and tactical control. The Super Eagles consistently pressed a resilient Tunisian defence, creating several scoring opportunities throughout the first half. The match was characterized by strategic battles across the midfield and flashes of individual brilliance that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, highlighting the competitive spirit inherent in AFCON qualifiers.
Breaking a personal goal drought and opening his tournament account, Victor Osimhen delivered a crucial header in the 44th minute. The Galatasaray striker, long anticipated to lead Nigeria’s offensive charge, rose powerfully to meet an expertly delivered cross from Ademola Lookman, sending the ball precisely into the back of the net. This pivotal goal not only gave Nigeria a deserved lead just before halftime but also injected significant momentum into their performance, affirming their first-half dominance.
Nigeria extended their advantage shortly after the restart, with captain Wilfred Ndidi converting a commanding header from a corner kick. Ndidi’s goal, a testament to his leadership and aerial prowess, further solidified Nigeria’s control of the game. The midfield duo of Alex Iwobi and Ndidi orchestrated play effectively, dictating tempo, maintaining possession, and successfully limiting Tunisia’s ability to mount significant attacks, showcasing a well-drilled tactical approach.
The Super Eagles appeared to put the game beyond doubt in the 60th minute when Ademola Lookman clinically finished a swift counterattack. Receiving a precise assist from Victor Osimhen, Lookman’s composed strike made it three goals for Nigeria, demonstrating their potent attacking threat and efficiency in transitioning from defence to offence. This third goal underscored the team’s ability to capitalize on opportunities and exploit defensive vulnerabilities.
Despite trailing by three goals, Tunisia refused to surrender, mounting a spirited comeback in the second half. Midway through the period, Montassar Talbi pulled one back for the Carthage Eagles with a well-placed header from a free-kick, reigniting hope for the North African side. This goal injected a renewed sense of urgency into the match, setting the stage for a tense and dramatic final phase as Tunisia pressed relentlessly to narrow the deficit further.
The drama intensified in the closing stages when Tunisia was awarded a penalty following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review. Ali Abdi stepped up to convert from the spot, reducing Nigeria’s lead to a precarious 3-2. This late goal plunged the final moments of the match into nervous energy, with both teams creating frantic chances as the clock wound down, highlighting the high stakes and the fiercely competitive nature of international football.
Despite the escalating pressure and Tunisia’s determined push for an equalizer, Nigeria’s defence, marshalled effectively by Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, largely held firm. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as a crucial figure in the dying minutes, producing several key saves and maintaining composure between the posts to preserve the slender lead. His interventions were instrumental in ensuring the Super Eagles secured a hard-fought and invaluable victory.
This hard-earned 3-2 victory not only delivers three crucial points for Nigeria in their AFCON qualifying campaign but also sends a strong message about their intent and capabilities. The result significantly strengthens their position in Group C, providing a crucial confidence boost and a clearer path towards securing a spot in the knockout stages of the prestigious 2025 tournament. The team’s blend of attacking firepower and defensive resilience proved decisive in a challenging encounter.”
“keywords”: “Nigeria Super Eagles, AFCON 2025 Qualification, Nigeria vs Tunisia, Victor Osimhen goal, Ademola Lookman goal, Wilfred Ndidi, African football qualifiers, Complexe Sportif de Fès
