AFCON 2025: Super Eagles fly over Tunisia on the wings of Osimhen and Lookman

If only a football match could last around 70 minutes, Nigeria's last night AFCON 2025 group stage win over Tunisia would have been a brutal, statement victory.

Alas, it lasted 90+7 minutes, and instead of the 3-0 result on the scoreboard before the 74th minute, it ended 3-2.

And, let's be honest - Nigerians were on their ropes, millimetres away from a dreadful draw.

Strangely, we saw two completely different football games within this one. The first one - dominated by the Super Eagles. The second one - ruled by the Eagles of Carthage.

The fans at the Complexe Sportif de Fes witnessed an almost flawless performance of Victor Osimhen and his teammates in the first two-thirds of the clash. Patient yet well-organised, the Nigerians were slowly getting closer and closer to breaking the deadlock before the lethal link-up between Ademola Lookman and Osimhen presented us with a stunning opener. An astonishing cross, embellished with an even nicer header to put the Super Eagles in front seconds before the half-time whistle, 1-0.

Returning from the break, they seemed eager to wrap up the tie as soon as possible, and another Lookman's assist was decisive for doubling the lead - this time through captain Ndidi.

Finally, when remarkable Lookman sealed his incredible performance and a mouth-watering three-piece action (Iwobi-Osimhen-Lookman) to make it 3-0 in the 67th minute, we all thought it was all over.

What a mistake to make...

For some reason, that was the moment everything changed on the pitch: Tunisia started playing fast and accurately, while Nigeria lost the necessary focus and, little by little, exposed all of their own (defensive, especially) flaws. Talbi made it 3-1 before Abdi poured in some massive and unexpected drama into the match. Chances kept coming for Tunisia as the Super Eagles were struggling and praying for the win after a comfortable lead just a few minutes ago.

The closest Tunisia came to grabbing a draw was deep in the stoppage time, but Sassi's header went just inches wide of the right post.

This way, Nigeria booked their place in the knockout stage and the first place in Group C, while Tunisia are about to face Tanzania in the last round with everything at stake.

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS - GROUP STAGE

Friday

Angola - Zimbabwe 1-1 (1-1)

/Dala 24 - Musona 45+6/

Egypt - South Africa 1-0 (1-0)

/Salah 45 pen/

Zambia - Comoros 0-0

Morocco - Mali 1-1 (1-0)

/Diaz 45+5 pen - Sinayoko 64 pen/

Saturday

Benin - Botswana 1-0 (1-0)

/Roche 28/

Senegal - DR Congo 1-1 (0-0)

/Mane 69 - Bakambu 61/

Uganda - Tanzania 1-1 (0-0)

/Ikpeazu 80 - Msuva 59 pen/

Nigeria - Tunis 3-2 (1-0)

/Osimhen 44, Ndidi 50, Lookman 67 - Talbi 74, Abdi 87 pen/

Sunday

15.30: (1.92) Gabon (3.35) Mozambique (4.30)

18.00: (2.50) Equatorial Guinea (3.10) Sudan (3.05)

20.30: (2.00) Algeria (3.35) Burkina Faso (4.00)

23.00: (2.20) Ivory Coast (3.15) Cameroon (3.60)

***odds are subject to change***