Super Eagles hold on for nervy 3-2 win after late Tunisian rally threatens stunning comeback.
Nigeria booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage in dramatic fashion on Saturday, enduring a frantic finale to edge Tunisia 3-2 in a rollercoaster Group D clash.
The Super Eagles, flying high for most of the match, appeared to be cruising after building a commanding three-goal lead, only to survive a determined late surge from the Carthage Eagles.
“We showed two faces tonight,” said Nigeria coach Eric Chelle. “The first 70 minutes were fantastic—disciplined, aggressive, clinical. The last 20, we have to learn from. But the most important thing is we are through.”
Nigeria’s early dominance was rewarded just before halftime, when Victor Osimhen powered home a close-range header. Wilfred Ndidi added a second shortly after the break with another towering header from a corner, before Ademola Lookman seemingly put the game to bed in the 67th minute with a composed finish off the post.
With a 3-0 lead, complacency crept in. Tunisia ignited a stunning fightback, first through Montassar Talbi’s header in the 74th minute. The momentum shifted completely when a VAR review awarded the North Africans a penalty in the dying minutes, which Ali Abdi coolly converted to set up a nail-biting finish.
“We stopped playing, we stopped communicating,” admitted captain William Troost-Ekong. “It’s a lesson for us. In the knockout rounds, we cannot switch off like that. But we showed heart to see it out.”
Nigeria’s defense, under intense pressure in the final moments, ultimately held firm to secure the vital three points. The victory guarantees the three-time champions a top-two finish in the group with a game to spare.
The Super Eagles will now face Uganda in their final group match on Tuesday, aiming to secure top spot and carry the momentum—and a crucial lesson in game management—into the Round of 16.
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