Nigeria’s Super Eagles moved to the 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.
The Super Eagles dominated possession from the opening whistle, patiently probing the Tunisian defence with crisp passing and sustained pressure.
Their superiority finally paid off in the 44th minute when Ademola Lookman surged to the by-line and delivered a teasing cross that Osimhen met with a powerful header, directing the ball past the goalkeeper to give Nigeria a deserved lead.
Nigeria carried their momentum into the second half and doubled their advantage barely five minutes after the restart. Ndidi capitalised on a loose ball inside the area, keeping his composure to beat the goalkeeper and stretch Nigeria’s lead to 2–0, sending Nigerian supporters into celebration.
After creating the first two goals, Lookman scored the third on 67 minutes after being set up by Osimhen. He had time to control the ball in the box before slamming it into the net off the post.
Tunisia pulled one goal back with 16 minutes remaining. The north Africans finally got the better of an aerial duel and Talbi nodded a Mejbri free-kick into the net.
The goal had a dramatic effect as Tunisia took control and scored again with three minutes left when Abdi converted a penalty awarded after a VAR review showed Bright Samuel handled.
Nigeria have six points, Tunisia three and Tanzania and Uganda one each with the final
