Nigeria Advances to AFCON Knockouts After 3-2 Win Over Tunisia

In a captivating contest, Nigeria triumphed over Tunisia with a close 3-2 victory, successfully securing their place in the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage, trailing only behind Egypt. Hailed in Fes, the Group C encounter delivered high drama as Tunisia pressed hard in the closing minutes.

Holding a commanding grip on the match for much of the game, Nigeria surged ahead with a 3-0 lead, thanks to contributions from star forward Victor Osimhen, captain Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman. This display marked a sharp increase in intensity compared to their earlier victory against Tanzania.

Osimhen, wearing his signature protective mask, posed a continuous threat from above, narrowly missing out on two headers and having one goal disallowed for offside. Tunisia struggled against Nigeria’s relentless pressing, particularly in the initial stages of the match.

The opener came just before the break when Lookman sent an exquisite cross, which Osimhen converted with a powerful header, securing a significant lead for Nigeria.

Nigeria extended their lead shortly into the second half, as Lookman again provided the assist for Ndidi, who scored his first goal for his country with a strong header following a corner kick.

The third goal netted by Osimhen in the 67th minute showcased his playmaking skills, as he set up Lookman, who finished confidently from inside the box, slotting the ball in off the post.

Tunisia, however, refused to back down, initiating a late surge. Montassar Talbi's header from a free-kick ignited hope for the Tunisians, followed by a penalty conversion from Ali Abdi after a Nigerian handball was called via VAR.

With substantial stoppage time added, Tunisia pressed for an equalizer, with Ferjani Sassi narrowly missing a header and substitute Ismael Gharbi shooting just wide. Yet, Nigeria held on for victory.

This result puts Nigeria at the top of Group C with six points, while Tunisia remains at three. Uganda and Tanzania each hold one point as they approach the final matchups.

Earlier, Uganda and Tanzania battled to a 1-1 draw, with a missed penalty from Allan Okello costing Uganda a potential win after Uche Ikpeazu equalized following Simon Msuva's early goal.

This tie keeps the hopes of both East African teams for qualification precariously alive, as crucial matches lie ahead.