AFCON 2025: Nigeria Hold Off Late Intrigue To Beat Tunisia

Nigeria's Super Eagles secured a thrilling 3-2 win over Tunisia, holding back a late comeback from their opponents in a highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations clash. 

The Tunisians had the first real chance of the game in the 5th minute, but Hazem Mastouri's effort was comfortably dealt with by Nigeria's goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Ademola Lookman gave the assist that led to Victor Osimhen's goal. In the 44th minute, Osimhen rose high to head home Lookman's cross. The lead doubled soon after the interval, as Wilfred Ndidi doubled their lead with a well-taken header in the 50th minute.

Lookman added a third with a stunning solo effort in the 67th minute. Osimhen dashed into the box and cut back a pass into the centre for Lookman, who dazzled a defender before blasting home the ball. 

However, Tunisia refused to give up, and Montassar Talbi pulled one back for the visitors in the 74th minute. The Tunisians then equalized through Ali Abdi's penalty in the 87th minute, setting up a nervy finale to the game.

The win is a huge boost for Nigeria's chances in the tournament, and they will be looking to build on this momentum in their next game. Tunisia, on the other hand, will be disappointed to have thrown away a two-goal lead, but they will be proud of their fighting spirit.

Overview 

The match was a masterclass in drama, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. The game got underway with Tunisia looking sharp and composed, with Hannibal Mejbri and Elias Achouri causing Nigeria's defense all sorts of problems.

Nigeria slowly began to find its rhythm, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman causing the Tunisian defense all sorts of problems. The pair combined beautifully in the attacking frontline and both assisted with goal-scoring. 

Moments  of Spectacle

Sassi's header from a deep cross-pitch cross almost beat Nwabali but drifted just wide down the right post. Just a moment earlier, Osimhen dashed into the Tunisia box following a lob pass and struck a superb right-footed shot. Aymen Dahmen was well-positioned to stop his shot, leading to a counterattack.