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Super Eagles Overcome Late Drama to Secure AFCON Knockout Spot
Nigeria’s Super Eagles delivered a scintillating first-half display before weathering a tense late rally to defeat Tunisia 3–2 in their Matchday 2 Group C encounter at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles exploded out of the blocks, overwhelming the Tunisians with speed, sharp passing and relentless attacking intent.
Victor Osimhen spearheaded Nigeria’s early dominance, constantly unsettling the Tunisian backline. He appeared to have opened the scoring in the 17th minute, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Undeterred, the Napoli striker eventually broke the deadlock right on the stroke of half-time, rising highest to nod home a deep cross from Ademola Lookman for his first goal of the tournament.
Nigeria doubled their advantage just five minutes after the restart. Once again, Lookman was the architect, delivering a teasing corner that captain Wilfred Ndidi powered home with a firm header. The Atalanta winger then capped his outstanding performance by scoring the third himself, finishing clinically off the post as Nigeria threatened to run away with the contest.
With just under 20 minutes remaining and Nigeria cruising at 3–0, the outcome appeared settled. However, Tunisia were handed a lifeline through a routine free kick that caught Nigeria off guard, allowing Montassar Talbi to pull one back and shift the momentum.
The tension escalated in the 87th minute when Ali Abdi converted a penalty to reduce the deficit to 3–2. Tunisia poured forward in waves, piling pressure on a Nigerian side that briefly showed the defensive frailties that previously cost them a place at next summer’s World Cup.
Nigeria survived several anxious moments in the closing stages but held their nerve to see out the contest. The hard-earned victory secured three vital points and confirmed the Super Eagles as one of the early pace-setters at the tournament.
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