Nigeria Survive Tunisia Scare in AFCON Five-Goal Classic to Reach Last 16
So this was one of those Africa Cup of Nations games that had everything — goals, drama, controversy, and a nerve-shredding finish. Nigeria eventually came out on top with a 3–2 win over Tunisia, but it was far from comfortable, even though it looked that way for a long time.
The Super Eagles went into this Group C clash knowing a win would secure qualification for the last 16, and from the opening minutes, they played like a team on a mission. Tunisia were pinned back early, while Nigeria moved the ball with confidence and intent. Chances were created almost immediately, and it honestly felt like a goal was only a matter of time. Victor Osimhen was heavily involved, getting on the end of crosses and causing constant problems, even though a couple of early headers went begging and one goal was ruled out for offside.
Eventually, the pressure told just before halftime. Osimhen rose again, this time guiding a header into the net after a well-worked move. It was a deserved breakthrough, and Nigeria went into the break looking fully in control.
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That control seemed to tighten straight after halftime. Captain Wilfred Ndidi doubled the lead with a powerful header from a corner, marking his first senior international goal in a moment that clearly meant a lot. Tunisia looked rattled, and Nigeria smelled blood. The third goal arrived midway through the second half when Ademola Lookman finished off a slick passing move, crashing the ball in off the post. At 3–0, the game appeared to be over.
But AFCON games rarely follow the script.
With just over 15 minutes left, Tunisia finally woke up. A free-kick was swung in, and Montassar Talbi was left completely unmarked to head home, suddenly shifting the momentum. Nigeria’s earlier composure started to fade, and Tunisia pushed forward with renewed belief. That belief turned into real danger when a handball was spotted after a VAR review, and Ali Abdi calmly converted the penalty to make it 3–2.
From that moment on, it was chaos. Tunisia threw everything forward, while Nigeria clung on. Chances were created at both ends, substitutions were made to slow the game down, and every clearance felt crucial. Tunisia came agonisingly close to an equaliser deep into stoppage time, but the final whistle eventually brought relief rather than celebration for the Super Eagles.
In the end, Nigeria did enough. The win guarantees their place in the AFCON last 16 and keeps their title hopes alive, even if it came with a late scare. Tunisia, meanwhile, will still fancy their chances of progressing, but this match will be remembered as a reminder that no lead is ever safe on this stage.
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