Super Eagles Beat Tunisia 3-2 in AFCON 2025 Thriller

On Saturday, 27 December 2025, the Nigeria national football team — popularly called the Super Eagles — delivered one of their most thrilling performances in recent memory, defeating Tunisia 3-2 in a Group C clash of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, Morocco. This result confirmed Nigeria’s advancement to the round of 16 and ignited excitement among fans nationwide and across Africa. [source]

The encounter was more than a simple scoreboard update. It reflected Nigeria’s ambition to recover from recent disappointments, including the failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and demonstrated their renewed tactical prowess. [source]

Match Context and Background

The Super Eagles and Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles have a long-standing rivalry in African football. The AFCON 2025 Group C fixture carried immense significance:

• Nigeria: Aimed to top the group and build momentum after a successful start against Tanzania.
• Tunisia: Entered with strong form, having won against Uganda in the opening match. [source]

Fans and officials noted the importance of Nigeria’s performance due to the previous World Cup setback, which had impacted team morale. [source]

Tactical Setups & Starting XI

Nigeria’s Formation and Strategy

Coach Eric Chelle opted for a balanced approach to combine defensive stability with attacking fluidity:

• Formation: A fluid attacking setup focusing on midfield control and striker support.
• Key Players: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi (captain).
• Bench Strategy: Fresh legs introduced with Samuel Chukwueze and Zaidu Sanusi. [source]

Tunisia’s Strategy

Coach Sami Trabelsi focused on defensive discipline and counter-attacks:

• Set-piece threats and structured defense.
• Struggled with aerial challenges, which Nigeria exploited. [source]

First Half Summary

Opening Goal: Osimhen Heads Nigeria Ahead

Before halftime, the breakthrough came in the 44th minute. Victor Osimhen rose above the defense to head in a precise cross from Ademola Lookman, giving Nigeria a 1-0 lead. [source]

The goal highlighted Nigeria’s aerial dominance and set the tone for the second half. Early possession control and wide attacking patterns helped maintain pressure on Tunisia. Read also Pitch Performance vs Prophecy: Lookman, Osimhen Outshine Primate Ayodele

Second Half Summary

Ndidi Scores His First for Nigeria

Just five minutes into the second half, Wilfred Ndidi scored from a corner delivered by Lookman, extending Nigeria’s lead to 2-0. This marked Ndidi’s first international goal. [source]

Lookman Adds a Third

In the 67th minute, Ademola Lookman completed a slick move involving Osimhen and scored Nigeria’s third, giving the team a comfortable lead. [source]

Tunisia’s Comeback Attempts

First Response: Talbi

In the 74th minute, Montassar Talbi scored to reduce the deficit to 3-1, giving Tunisia hope. [source]

Penalty and Late Pressure

In the 87th minute, a VAR-checked handball led to a penalty for Tunisia. Ali Abdi converted it, making it 3-2 and creating a tense finish. Nigeria defended successfully to secure the win. [source]

Player Performances & Highlights

Ademola Lookman

Lookman was the standout performer:

• Assist for Osimhen’s goal
• Corner assist for Ndidi
• Scored the third goal
• Voted CAF Man of the Match [source]

Victor Osimhen

Scored the opening goal, led aerial duels, and provided crucial offensive presence. [source]

Wilfred Ndidi

Midfield general, scored first international goal, helped control Tunisia’s creative threats. Have you read about this? When the Match Ends, Lookman Wins —Primate Ayodele’s Prophecy Loses

Tactical Insights

• Nigeria’s attacking strategy with Lookman as creative hub proved effective.
• Tunisia struggled with aerial battles and defensive duels.
• Late-game concentration lapses showed areas needing improvement for Nigeria.

Group C Standings & Implications

With this victory:

• Nigeria leads Group C with 6 points.
• Tunisia has 3 points.
• Uganda and Tanzania have fewer points, setting a decisive final matchday. [source]

Coach and Post-Match Reactions

Eric Chelle (Nigeria)

“We kept the ball well for about 70 minutes and played a great game, scoring three goals against a team that rarely concedes — this is a great result for us.” [source]

Sami Trabelsi (Tunisia)

“We lost many duels and paid the price. We improved later but it wasn’t enough.” [source]

Conclusion

The Super Eagles’ 3-2 win over Tunisia was a combination of skill, discipline, and teamwork. Key moments from Osimhen, Ndidi, and Lookman highlighted Nigeria’s potential. The victory provides confidence as they prepare for the knockout stages of AFCON 2025. Nigeria now aims to continue building momentum, tighten defensive transitions, and contend for continental glory. [source]