Published 1 minute ago on December 27, 2025By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles produced a blistering first-half performance before surviving a dramatic late scare to beat Tunisia 3–2 in their Matchday 2 Group C clash at the Africa Cup of Nations, sealing an unassailable six-point lead and early qualification for the knockout stage.
This is even as Nigerian born Uganda’s striker, Uche Ikpeazu struck late to earn Uganda a 1–1 draw against Tanzania, a result that now puts Nigeria firmly in the qualification equation.
Ikpeazu, born to a Nigerian father and Ugandan mother, came off the bench to head home the equaliser and hand the Cranes their first point of the tournament in Morocco.
The outcome leaves both Uganda and Tanzania needing victories on the final day, with the Cranes set for a decisive showdown against Nigeria.
Infact, the Super Eagles began the contest in supersonic fashion, overwhelming the Tunisians with pace, precision passing and relentless attacking intent. For more than 70 minutes, Nigeria looked every inch genuine AFCON title contenders as they raced into a commanding 3–0 lead.
Victor Osimhen was at the heart of Nigeria’s early dominance, forcing openings and stretching the Tunisian defence.
He thought he had opened the scoring in the 17th minute, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
The Galatasaray striker, however, was not to be denied and finally broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, rising highest to head home Ademola Lookman’s deep cross for his first goal of the tournament.
Nigeria struck again within five minutes of the restart. Lookman, again the provider, swung in a teasing corner that captain Wilfred Ndidi powered home with a firm header to double the advantage.
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The Atalanta winger then capped his influential display by adding the third goal himself, finishing clinically off the post as Nigeria threatened to run away with the contest.
With just under 20 minutes remaining and Nigeria cruising at 3–0, the match appeared settled.
But an innocuous free-kick routine handed Tunisia a lifeline when Montassar Talbi pulled a goal back, suddenly shifting the momentum.
The tension rose sharply in the 87th minute when Ali Abdi converted a penalty to reduce the deficit to 3–2. Tunisia surged forward in waves, piling pressure on a Nigerian side that began to show the defensive fragility that previously cost them a place at next summer’s World Cup.
Nigeria lived dangerously in the closing minutes, but they held their nerve and did just enough to see out the contest, securing three vital points and confirming their status as one of the early pace-setters at the tournament.
However, the spectarcular display of Nigerian-born Ikpeazu has rescued Uganda for the encounter with Super Eagles
The dramatic finale could have tilted fully in Uganda’s favour. Substitute James Bogere was dragged down in the box, earning a second penalty, but Allan Okello blazed his kick over the bar, sparing Tanzania and ensuring the spoils were shared.
Tanzania nearly snatched a winner moments later, but Onyango’s scare ended with the final shot drifting just wide.
For Nigeria, the draw sharpens the stakes. With Uganda now buoyed by Ikpeazu’s impact and Tanzania still alive, Group C remains wide open.
The Super Eagles will face Uganda in a must-win encounter on Tuesday, knowing that a victory would not only settle qualification matters but also end the hopes of a side inspired by a striker with Nigerian roots.
Tanzania, meanwhile, must overcome Tunisia to keep their own Round of 16 ambitions alive, setting up a tense final day in a group where Nigerian influence has already left a decisive mark.
