Nigeria beat Tunisia 3-2 in Fes to reach the Afcon last 16. Osimhen, Ndidi and Lookman starred before a late Tunisia fightback ensured a tense ending. PL players included Bassey, Iwobi, Onyeka and Mejbri.
Nigeria booked their place in the Afcon last 16 with a tense 3-2 win over Tunisia in Fes. The Super Eagles, featuring Premier League players like Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka, appeared in control before a late surge from the Carthage Eagles. Victory moves Nigeria onto six points from two games in Group C. They are now guaranteed top spot with one match remaining.
Tunisia, meanwhile, remain on three points after their second group match. They will need a result in their final fixture to progress. Uganda and Tanzania sit on one point each following their draw earlier on Saturday.
Nigeria dominated large spells of the first half and created the clearer chances. Victor Osimhen had already seen one effort ruled out for offside. His persistence was rewarded just before the break.
In the 44th minute, Osimhen guided a header into the bottom corner from Ademola Lookman’s cross. It was a deserved lead after sustained pressure. Tunisia struggled to match Nigeria’s intensity before half-time as a midfield that included Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri was easily bypassed by Nigeria.
The Super Eagles doubled their advantage five minutes into the second half. Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to head home from another Lookman delivery. It was Ndidi’s first international goal and a timely one.
Nigeria made it 3-0 in the 67th minute when Lookman finished from close range after being teed up by Osimhen. At that stage, the contest looked settled. Tunisia had offered little threat in open play.
The match shifted in the final 20 minutes. Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a header from Hannibal Mejbri’s free-kick. That goal lifted Tunisia and unsettled Nigeria.
Tunisia were then awarded a penalty following a VAR review for handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted confidently in the 87th minute. A frantic finale followed as Tunisia pressed for an equaliser.
Nigeria were forced to defend deep during stoppage time. Captain Ferjani Sassi headed narrowly wide with a late chance. Ismael Gharbi also fired past the post as pressure mounted.
Lookman stood out with two assists and a goal. Osimhen led the line effectively and also provided an assist. Ndidi’s leadership and aerial presence proved decisive early in the second half.
Nigeria registered 15 shots and produced 2.1 expected goals. Tunisia managed eight attempts with an xG of 1.04, boosted by the penalty. Possession was firmly in Nigeria’s favour for much of the match.
Since returning to Afcon, Nigeria have now won both group games. They also remain unbeaten in their last five matches in the competition. The late wobble will concern coach Eric Chelle, but the overall picture is positive.
Nigeria remain in Fes to face Uganda on Tuesday. The result will not affect their group position. Tunisia travel to Rabat to meet Tanzania at the same time.
A draw would be enough for Tunisia to reach the knockout stage. Nigeria, meanwhile, can afford to rotate while maintaining momentum. Their focus now shifts firmly to the last 16.
