AFCON: Nigeria seize control of Group C with win over Tunisia

Nigeria built up a three-goal lead before settling for a 3-2 victory over Tunisia on Saturday evening in Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock just before halftime before Wilfred Ndidi’s header doubled the advantage early in the second half. Osimhen then set up Ademola Lookman for the final goal after Lookman assisted the first two goals in a rare complete performance from the three-time African champions.

After an unconvincing victory to begin their campaign in Morocco, Nigeria played to their full potential against the Eagles of Carthage who surprisingly failed to trouble their West African opposition. The breathrough arrived in the 44th minute when Lookman’s cross picked out Osimhen for a powerful low header past Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen.

It got even worse for the North Africans after suffering a gut punch just before the break. Lookman’s corner kick found Super Eagles captain Ndidi in the 50th minute for another excellent header past Dahmen. Atalanta BC star Lookman then got in on the scoring by blasting his shot through a crowd in off the post in the 67th minute.

Tunisia did finally respond seven minutes later when defender Montassar Talbi produced his own headed goal from a Hannibal Mejbri corner kick.

The Eagles of Carthage went on further to make things interesting late on when Ali Abdi converted from the penalty spot following a handball in the Super Eagles penalty area. Ferjani Sassi had an excellent chance to complete an improbable comeback but his put a free header just wide after getting on the end of a cross from the left wing.

Group C action will conclude on Tuesday, where the Super Eagles will look to end the group stage with a perfect record against Uganda. Tunisia will face Tanzania where anything other than a defeat will confirm passage to the Round of 16 for the North Africans.