The Super Eagles of Nigeria have progressed to the round of 16 stage of the Africa Cup of Nations following a 3-2 win over Tunisia at the Fes Stadium on Saturday, December 27.

With a head-to-head lead of three wins to Tunisia’s one in their previous six AFCON outings, Nigeria looked to extend their dominance over the North African side, and showed such intent from the opening minutes. Talisman Victor Osimhen was culpable for spurning chances early on, but the 2023 CAF Player of the Year eventually buried the opener in the 44th minute from Ademola Lookman’s searching cross.

A few minutes into the second half, Lookman turned provider again, this time sending in a corner kick for captain Wilfred Ndidi, who converted for his first goal for Nigeria. The proceedings looked increasingly like an onslaught as the Super Eagles extended their lead by three goals in the 67th minute after Lookman glided through the Tunisian defence to fire home what was a selfless assist from Osimhen.

However, Tunisia pulled one back in the 74th minute when Montassar Talbi glanced Hannibal Mejbri’s free kick past Stanley Nwabali to reduce the deficit. The Eagles of Carthage were then handed a route back into the game when the referee ruled that Bright Osayi-Samuel had handled the ball in the box after a VAR review.

Abdi Ali sent Nwabali the wrong way to reignite Tunisia’s hopes, but the remainder of their efforts, though unsettling Nigeria, could not force an equaliser as the three-time African champions held on for the win. Following their opening victory over Tanzania on Tuesday, the Super Eagles became the second country after Egypt to book a place in the AFCON 2025 round of 16.