Lookman stars as Nigeria beat Tunisia in a five-goal thriller to reach round 16 of AFCON

The Super Eagles of Nigeria survived a late scare and held on to defeat the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia 3-2 to advance to the round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations in Fes Stadium on Saturday night.

Nigeria dominated possession early on, but Tunisia were presented with the first chance in the fifth minute as Hannibal Mejbri had his sights on goal, but the Burnley man’s effort from the edge of the area went wide.

At the other end, Victor Osimhen headed over the bar following Ademola Lookman’s cross from a corner.

In the 15th minute, Osimhen thought he had given Nigeria the lead, but the goal was ruled out for offside in the buildup.

Minutes later, Akor Adams forced Aymen Dahmen to make a save with his effort from outside the box.

At the half-hour mark, the Super Eagles had two chances to break the deadlock. First, Semi Ajayi sent his header from a corner over the bar.

Osimhen also dragged his header wide following a delightful cross from Calvin Bassey.

On the stroke of halftime, Osimhen gave Nigeria the deserved lead after he nodded home Lookman’s inviting cross for his first goal at the 2025 AFCON.

Five minutes after the restart, captain Wilfried Ndidi doubled the Super Eagles’ advantage after he rose highest to meet Lookman’s inswinger cross from a corner into the bottom corner beyond Dahmen.

In the 67th minute, Lookman completed the scoring for Nigeria after Alex Iwobi and Osimhen teed up to find the Atalanta man in the area, who picked out his spot.

Moments later, Montassar Talbi pulled one back for the Carthage Eagles after he rose highest to meet Hannibal’s cross from a free kick.

Tunisia was awarded a late penalty following a VAR review after Osayi Samuel handed the ball in his area. Ali Abdi stepped up and converted the spot-kick.

The Carthage Eagles grew into the game as they searched for an equaliser, and they almost got it deep into stoppage time as captain Ferjani Sassi headed narrowly wide and Ismael Gharbi saw his volley blast wide of the post.

Nigeria move first in Group C with six points and are through to the last 16 with a game to spare as they face Uganda on Tuesday.