Nigeria Lookman Stars As 3-2 Win Over Tunisia Books AFCON Last-16 Spot

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Nigeria moved into the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 after a tense 3-2 victory over Tunisia, securing a top-two place in Group C. Ademola Lookman set up two goals and scored another, while Victor Osimhen and Wilfred Ndidi also found the net in Fez.

Lookman again delivered in a major AFCON 2025 moment for Nigeria, having already scored the winner against Tanzania in the opening group game. The Atalanta forward’s latest display keeps the Super Eagles firmly on track in their campaign and underlines Lookman’s growing influence.

Data from the match supported Nigeria’s win over Tunisia at AFCON 2025. The Super Eagles produced 2.1 expected goals from 15 attempts, compared with Tunisia’s 1.04 from eight efforts, a total boosted by the late penalty. Nigeria’s superiority in chance creation was clear across most of the contest.

The game did not start comfortably for Nigeria, despite the eventual win over Tunisia at AFCON 2025. Akor Adams, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Osimhen were all denied by goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen. Pressure finally told on the stroke of half-time when Osimhen headed in Lookman’s precise cross.

Nigeria quickly increased control after the restart against Tunisia in this AFCON 2025 clash. Five minutes into the second half, Lookman’s corner was headed in by captain Ndidi. The advantage grew on 67 minutes when Lookman finished neatly from Osimhen’s cutback to make the score 3-0.

Tunisia then staged a response that changed the mood of this AFCON 2025 group meeting with Nigeria. Montassar Talbi struck from Hannibal Mejbri’s free-kick to reduce the deficit. The tension rose further on 87 minutes when Ali Abdi scored a penalty, after Osayi-Samuel was penalised for handball.

The closing stages saw Nigeria pushed deep as Tunisia pressed for an equaliser in the AFCON 2025 contest. Seven minutes of stoppage time brought further anxiety when Stanley Nwabali spilled a cross and Ferhani Sassi headed wide, but Nigeria resisted the pressure and protected the narrow lead.

Elsewhere in Group C at AFCON 2025, Tanzania and Uganda drew 1-1, leaving both teams needing victories in their final fixtures to stay in contention for the knockout phase. Nigeria’s win over Tunisia, driven by Lookman’s goal and two assists, leaves the Super Eagles securely placed for the last 16.