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Victor Osimhen starred as Nigeria became the second qualifier for the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage after Egypt by surviving a late Tunisia onslaught to win 3-2 in Fes on Saturday.
The Super Eagles were cruising to victory when leading 3-0 through goals from Osimhen, captain Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. But Tunisia refused to surrender in the top-of-the-table Group C clash, and Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi scored to set up a tense finish.
Nigeria have six points, Tunisia three and Tanzania and Uganda one each, with the final round of group matches set for Tuesday.
After performing well below par when edging Tanzania in the opening round, Nigeria were a transformed team against Tunisia, dominating the first 30 minutes in the northern city.
Osimhen was outstanding, particularly in aerial duels, while Tunisia were constantly forced to defend against the three-time champions. The Galatasaray striker, wearing his trademark mask, headed just over after nine minutes and came close again soon after as he rose to meet a corner kick.
Several Tunisian raids yielded no reward, and after 44 minutes, the goalless deadlock was broken by Osimhen. The goal involved two former African Players of the Year, with 2024 winner Lookman crossing the ball, and Osimhen rising between Abdi and Talbi to head powerfully into the net.
Just five minutes into the second half, Nigeria stretched their lead to two goals, once again exposing the Tunisian defence’s aerial weaknesses. Atalanta striker Lookman was the architect again, floating a corner into the heart of the goalmouth where Ndidi soared to beat goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen and score his first international goal.
After creating the first two goals, Lookman scored the third in 67 minutes after being set up by Osimhen. He had time to control the ball in the box before slamming it into the net off the post.
Tunisia pulled one goal back with 16 minutes remaining. The North Africans finally got the better of an aerial duel, and Talbi nodded a Mejbri free-kick into the net.
The goal had a dramatic effect as Tunisia took control and scored again with three minutes left when Abdi converted a penalty awarded, but it wasn’t enough as the Super Eagles held on to advance to the next round.
