Ademola Lookman played a decisive role in all three of Nigeria’s goals as the Super Eagles edged past Tunisia 3–2 in a thrilling encounter to secure qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) round of 16. The victory marked Nigeria’s first win in three head-to-head meetings with the Eagles of Carthage.

The contest began at a competitive tempo, though clear chances were scarce early on. Tunisia’s Hannibal Mejbri rushed an effort from distance, while Victor Osimhen missed two headed opportunities inside the opening 11 minutes. The Napoli striker’s frustration continued when he reacted quickest to Akor Adams’ parried shot, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

Despite the lack of an early breakthrough, Nigeria gradually asserted control. Osimhen again headed wide from a Calvin Bassey cross, before Tunisia showed intent of their own through Ali Abdi, whose ambitious strike sailed over Stanley Nwabali’s crossbar. Wilfred Ndidi responded at the other end with a shot over the bar, moments before Nigeria finally made their dominance count.

In the 44th minute, Osimhen broke free from Montassar Talbi to power home a header from Lookman’s delivery, celebrating emphatically as Nigeria took a deserved lead into the break.

Eric Chelle’s side picked up where they left off after the restart and doubled their advantage within five minutes. Ndidi rose highest to head in Lookman’s corner, registering his first-ever goal for Nigeria. Lookman soon went close himself as Tunisia’s frustrations mounted, compounded by an injury to Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane following a collision with Nwabali.

Tunisia struggled to stem Nigeria’s momentum, and in the 67th minute, a swift attacking move ended with Lookman weaving past Yan Valery and finishing clinically to make it 3–0, despite desperate attempts to clear off the line.

The Eagles of Carthage refused to fold, pulling one back when Talbi glanced Mejbri’s free-kick beyond Nwabali with 15 minutes remaining. The tension rose further when Bright Osayi-Samuel conceded a penalty for handball, allowing Abdi to convert confidently in the 87th minute and reignite Tunisian hopes.

Ferjani Sassi came agonisingly close to equalising late on, but his header drifted wide, leaving Tunisia players distraught as Nigeria held firm to seal the win.

The result extends Nigeria’s impressive AFCON group-stage record to seven wins in their last eight matches, confirming their place in the knockout rounds. While Tunisia suffered their first defeat in five outings, they remain second in the group ahead of their final fixture against Tanzania.