The Super Eagles have advanced to the knockout stage of the tournament after securing a 3–2 victory over Tunisia in Morocco.

Nigeria stormed into a three-goal lead thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman. 

However, Tunisia fought back to cut the deficit, with Montassar Talbi scoring before Ali Al-Abdi converted a late penalty in the closing minutes of the second half.

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents five observations from the match.  

Injury scare for Osimhen at Halftime

Victor Osimhen gave fans a scare in the first half after appearing to pick up a groin injury. 

The Galatasaray striker was seen clutching his groin after failing to connect with a cross inside the penalty area, prompting medical staff to rush onto the pitch.

The 26-year-old landed awkwardly and was escorted off the pitch for medical attention, sparking concern among Super Eagles supporters in Fez, Morocco. However, Osimhen quickly recovered from the setback and carried on.

He went on to score the opening goal in the closing minutes of the first half, marking his first goal for Nigeria in eight AFCON matches. 

Nwabali Lucky to Escape Red Card

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was fortunate to avoid a sending-off in the second half after a needless challenge on Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane. 

The goalkeeper rushed out of his area as the midfielder went through on goal, despite the referee having already blown for an infringement.

Tunisia Struggle With Set Pieces

The Carthage Eagles struggled badly to defend set pieces and crosses into the box, a weakness Nigeria ruthlessly exploited to score twice. 

Victor Osimhen opened the scoring with a header late in the first half, while Wilfred Ndidi doubled the lead with another header at the start of the second half.

Despite their poor aerial defending, Tunisia showed great fighting spirit, battling back to reduce the deficit.

Ndidi Mimics Nwankwo Kanu’s Celebration

Besiktas midfielder Wilfred Ndidi paid tribute to Nigerian legend Nwankwo Kanu by recreating his iconic Atlanta 1996 Olympic goal celebration after scoring in the second half.  

Ndidi headed home a corner delivered by Ademola Lookman to extend Nigeria’s lead, then followed it up with Kanu’s famous dance move, a nod to the memorable comeback victory over Brazil in the Olympic semifinals.

The victory ensured Nigeria gained revenge after Tunisia eliminated them from the 2019 AFCON tournament. 

Controversial Penalty Decision

Tunisia were awarded a controversial penalty late in the game, making the closing stages uncomfortable for the Super Eagles. 

After a VAR review, the referee ruled that Bright Osayi-Samuel had handled the ball inside the box during a tussle with his opponent.

Ali Al-Abdi converted from the spot to make it 3–2, allowing Tunisia to apply late pressure as they searched for an equaliser in the final minutes. 

Adeyemi Adewale