Super Eagles advance to AFCON Round of 16, defeat Tunisia 3-2

Nigeria’s Super Eagles booked their place in the 1xBet Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 after edging Tunisia 3–2 in a pulsating Group C encounter that tested both nerve and character on Saturday night.

The Super Eagles took control of the contest late in the first half when Victor Osimhen rose highest to power home a close-range header in the 44th minute, converting a well-weighted cross from Ademola Lookman.

Nigeria’s dominance in possession and tempo was evident long before the breakthrough, with Osimhen having an earlier effort ruled out for offside.

Nigeria emerged from the interval with renewed intensity and doubled their lead five minutes into the second half. From a perfectly delivered corner, Wilfred Ndidi thumped a bullet header past the Tunisian goalkeeper to make it 2-0, putting the Super Eagles firmly in command.

The pressure continued, and the Super Eagles struck again in the 67th minute when Lookman capped an impressive performance with a composed low finish that nestled inside the post, stretching the lead to 3–0 and seemingly putting the contest beyond reach.

Tunisia, however, refused to capitulate. The Carthage Eagles pulled one back in the 74th minute through Montassar Talbi, who headed home a free kick to reduce the deficit.

Late drama followed when VAR awarded Tunisia a penalty in the 86th minute, which Ali Abdi converted to make it 3–2 and set up a tense finale.

The Super Eagles were forced to withstand sustained pressure during seven minutes of added time, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and the defence holding firm as Tunisia searched desperately for an equaliser.

The final whistle was met with relief and celebration from the Super Eagles, who secured the victory needed to confirm qualification for the knockout stage.