Nigeria secured qualification for the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Tunisia on Saturday night.

The Super Eagles approached the encounter with purpose from the opening whistle, asserting control through sustained possession and quick ball circulation.

Their early pressure created several opportunities, with Nigeria repeatedly testing the Tunisian defence through crosses and set pieces.

The breakthrough arrived late in the first half when Victor Osimhen rose highest to head home from close range, giving Nigeria a deserved 1–0 lead before the interval.

Momentum stayed firmly with Nigeria at the start of the second half.

Five minutes after the restart, Wilfred Ndidi doubled the advantage with a powerful header from a well-delivered corner kick, reinforcing Nigeria’s dominance in aerial situations.

Tunisia struggled to cope with the tempo as Nigeria continued to press with confidence and composure.

The Super Eagles extended their lead to 3–0 in the 67th minute through Ademola Lookman, who finished calmly after receiving a precise pass, placing his shot low off the post. At that stage, Nigeria appeared firmly in control of the contest.

Tunisia, however, mounted a late response. In the 74th minute, Montassar Talbi headed in from a free kick to reduce the deficit to 3–1 and shift the momentum.

Sustained pressure followed, and drama unfolded in the closing stages when a VAR review awarded Tunisia a penalty.

Ali Abdi converted confidently in the 87th minute, bringing the score to 3–2 and setting up a tense finale.

Nigeria managed the closing minutes effectively to see out the result, holding firm under pressure to claim all three points.

The three-time African champions will now turn their attention to their final group phase fixture against Uganda, scheduled for Tuesday, December 30, as they look to maintain momentum heading into the latter stages of the competition.

Wale Adejumo