Nigeria booked a place in the second round of the tournament on Saturday after holding off a dramatic late surge from Tunisia to claim a crucial victory at the Stade Foot Fès in Morocco.

The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising after building a commanding three-goal lead. However, a tense final 20 minutes tested their resolve before they eventually sealed all three points and confirmed qualification from Group C.

Chelle Keeps Faith With Winning Formula

Head coach Eric Chelle made only two changes to the starting line-up that edged Tanzania in the opening match. Bruno Onyemaechi and Frank Onyemaechi came in for Zaidu Sanusi and Samuel Chukwueze, while the rest of the team remained unchanged.

Chelle retained the attacking partnership of Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen, with Ademola Lookman given freedom to drift behind the front line and exploit spaces. According to reports, that tactical decision proved decisive.

Goals Before and After the Break

Nigeria’s breakthrough arrived just before half-time through a well-worked move involving two of their most influential attackers. Lookman delivered a precise ball into the Tunisian penalty area, where Osimhen rose highest to nod the Super Eagles into the lead.

The strike marked Osimhen’s second goal in nine Africa Cup of Nations matches and came at a crucial moment, giving Nigeria momentum heading into the break.

The Eagles returned for the second half with the same intensity and doubled their advantage five minutes after the restart. Once again, Lookman was the creator, sending in a corner kick that Wilfred Ndidi met to score his first-ever goal for the national team.

Nigeria’s dominance continued, and Lookman capped a standout performance in the 67th minute. Osimhen’s cutback found the winger sprinting into the box, and after shrugging off his marker, Lookman fired a low shot through a crowd of defenders and into the net.

Tunisia Rally but Time Runs Out

Meanwhile, Tunisia found a lifeline in the 74th minute when Montassar Talbi headed home to spark a brief revival. The momentum shifted further after Ali Al-Abdi converted a penalty, raising hopes of an unlikely comeback.

Despite sustained pressure in the closing stages, Tunisia could not find an equaliser. Time ultimately worked against them, and Nigeria held firm until the final whistle to secure a hard-earned victory.

Former international analysts praised Nigeria’s attacking fluidity but noted defensive lapses late in the game. They stressed the need for better game management as the competition progresses.

Group Standings and What Comes Next

With the win, Nigeria move top of Group C on six points. Tunisia sit second with three points, while Uganda and Tanzania have one point each.

The Super Eagles will wrap up their group campaign against Uganda on December 30, with qualification already assured but top spot still at stake.