Nigeria recorded a monumental Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 triumph over Tunisia, despite a late scare in North Africa.

In a classic definition of the case that “no two halves are the same in a football game,” Nigeria ensured their domination was evident on the score sheet.

Nigeria controlled much of the early exchanges, with Tunisia forced to retreat for much of the spells.

The Carthage Eagles’ lacklustre display in attack was visible in their statistical numbers in the opening half, as they failed to register a single shot on target in the first period.

Nigeria nearly went ahead in the 17th minute, as Victor Osimhen lashed onto an effort from Akor Adams, parried by Tunisian goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen into a dangerous area.

Two minutes before the half-hour mark, Osimhen met a dinking ball delivered into the area by Calvin Bassey, but he cushioned his header wide.

Exactly on the half-hour mark, Nigerian fans across the globe started to worry over the fitness level of Victor Osimhen, as the Galatasaray goal poacher limped off to the sidelines due to a minor discomfort, thankfully he overcame the knock.

One of Sami Trabelsi’s side’s attempts in the first 45 minutes was a wayward shot from defender Ali Abdi.

Moreover, Hazem Mastouri became played through on goal but could not capitalize on the opportunity that fell to his feet, as Nigeria’s defence intervened.

Hannibal Mejbri and Elias Achouri were central proponents to the snippets of chances Tunisia managed to create, but nothing worthwhile came off them.

Just a minute before the expiration of regular time in the first half, Victor Osimhen officially made his first big statement in Fès, Morocco, stretching to the end of an excellent cross to produce the opener for Nigeria against Tunisia, much against the run of play.

The Super Eagles completed the first 45 minutes with the upper hand, but the second half had a totally different outlook.

The second half was a neutrals’ delight as both nations put on their scoring boots, with a central ambition on their minds — three points or nothing, or at the very least, do not lose.

Wilfred Ndidi, who officially received Nigeria’s captain’s armband ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scored his first-ever goal for the country, heading home a well-delivered corner from Ademola Lookman.

Despite Victor Osimhen deserving commendation, Ademola Lookman was also one player worthy of accolades and the Man of the Match award.

From setting up the first two goals for Nigeria to etching another goal for himself in the AFCON 2025 record books, Lookman capped a fine performance with a delightful finish for Eric Chelle’s side’s third goal, with Osimhen turning provider on this occasion.

Sami Trabelsi’s side became a different proposition late on in the encounter, as they punished Nigeria with their own venom.

Burnley man Hannibal Mejbri made his presence felt sixteen minutes before the end of the game, sending in a dangerous ball that Montassar Talbi cushioned home for Tunisia’s second.

In a shocking turn of events, VAR adjudged Bright Osayi-Samuel to have handled the ball inside the box, and the center referee awarded a penalty to the Carthage Eagles.

Dylan Bronn stepped up and thundered the penalty into the top corner, filling Tunisia with renewed optimism regarding a potential comeback.

Nigeria held on to claim their second win of the tournament despite the close shave against Tunisia, with the Super Eagles soaring into the knockout round even though they are yet to play their final group game against Uganda. Game will go down on the 30th of December.

Tunisia lock horns with Tanzania on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, with both nations eyeing qualification to the knockout rounds.