Nigeria’s Super Eagles delivered a captivating performance, battling to a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles in their final Group C fixture at the AFCON 2025 tournament in Fez.
The thrilling win not only sends Nigeria definitively through to the Round of 16 but also sees them finish atop their group with a perfect six points.
The Super Eagles ignited the scoreboard early, with star striker Victor Osimhen netting a characteristic powerful finish to give Nigeria the lead. Midfielder Wilfred Ndidi then doubled Nigeria’s advantage with a well-placed strike, marking his first senior international goal for the national team.
Ndidi’s goal carried extra significance as his celebration was a clear and iconic nod to Nigerian football legend Nwankwo Kanu’s famous 1996 Olympic goal celebration. The football legend himself quickly took to social media to commend Ndidi, expressing his delight and pride in the young midfielder’s tribute and goal.
However, Tunisia, known for their resilience, refused to buckle. They launched a spirited comeback, reducing the deficit through a determined strike from Talbi. The drama intensified late in the game when a controversial penalty was awarded to Tunisia after a VAR review, which Hamza Abdi calmly converted, bringing the score to a tense 2-2. This late equalizer exposed some defensive jitters within the Nigerian squad, with questions raised about goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s positioning and some of coach Eric Chelle’s substitution choices in managing the game’s final stages.
Despite the pressure, Nigeria found another gear. Ademola Lookman, who was a constant threat throughout the match, ultimately restored the Super Eagles’ lead with a clinical strike, ensuring Nigeria claimed all three points. Lookman’s impactful performance earned him the coveted Man of the Match award, recognizing his crucial goal and consistent attacking prowess.
The hard-fought victory ensures Nigeria finishes atop Group C with a perfect six points, setting them up for a potentially more favorable draw in the knockout stages. Their strong showing against a formidable Tunisian side, despite the defensive lapses, highlights the team’s attacking firepower and determination as they continue their quest for the AFCON 2025 title. The squad will now regroup and focus on refining their defensive coordination as they prepare for the demanding challenges of the Round of 16.
