Africa Cup Of Nations | Saturday December 27. | Group C
- Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia
- Uganda 1-1 Tanzania
Nigeria sealed their place in the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a gripping 3-2 win over Tunisia on Saturday night, a game that mixed attacking flair with late nerves and confirmed the Super Eagles as serious contenders.
At Fez Stadium, Nigeria looked in control for long spells and moved to six points from two Group C matches, joining Egypt as early qualifiers for the last 16.
Buoyed by their opening win over Tanzania, the Super Eagles started confidently against a Tunisia side fresh from beating Uganda.
The breakthrough came right on half-time when Victor Osimhen powered home a header from Ademola Lookman’s cross, a goal that reflected Nigeria’s growing authority.
The second half began much the same way. Five minutes after the restart, Wilfred Ndidi rose to meet Lookman’s corner and headed in his first international goal to make it 2-0.
Nigeria sensed the finish line and kept pressing, and Lookman soon added a third, capping another slick attacking move that appeared to settle the contest.
But Tunisia refused to fade quietly. With 20 minutes left, Montassar Talbi flicked in a free-kick to pull one back and shift the momentum.
The tension rose further when VAR awarded Tunisia a late penalty for a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi blasted it home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finish.
Tunisia pushed desperately for an equaliser, piling pressure on the Nigerian defence and forcing a series of anxious clearances. Nigeria held firm, surviving a late scare when Sassi headed narrowly wide in stoppage time.
At the final whistle, relief mixed with celebration for Nigeria, who sit top of the group on six points. Tunisia remain on three, while Tanzania and Uganda trail on one point each.
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With Nigeria out of site for Uganda and Tanzania, Tunisia will need to seal a knockout spot when they face Tanzania on Wednesday December 30 as Uganda play Nigeria on the other side.
All Group C remaining matches will be played at 19:00 EAT
