Nigeria booked a place in the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage after edging Tunisia 3–2 in a tense Group C encounter played in Fes on Saturday.
The Super Eagles produced a dominant display for much of the contest, racing into a 3–0 lead through goals from Ademola Lookman, captain Wilfred Ndidi and Victor Osimhen. Nigeria controlled the early exchanges and went into the break ahead before extending their advantage early in the second half.
Ndidi doubled Nigeria’s lead shortly after the restart with a well-taken header from a corner, while Lookman added the third goal in the 67th minute to put the three-time champions firmly in control.
Tunisia, however, refused to go down without a fight and mounted a strong late comeback. Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a headed goal from a free kick, and Ali Abdi later converted a penalty after a VAR review for handball to set up a nervy finish.
The Carthage Eagles pushed for an equaliser in stoppage time, but Nigeria’s defence held firm to see out the victory. The result moves Nigeria to six points at the top of Group C, confirming qualification for the knockout stage with one match remaining, while Tunisia stay on three points ahead of the final round of group games on Tuesday.
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