Nigeria just about held on to secure all three points in a tense second group match against Tunisia, a game that perfectly summed up why Eric Chelle’s side look like title contenders—and why doubts still linger.
For large spells, the Super Eagles were impressive and in full control. With just under 20 minutes left, Nigeria appeared to be cruising at 3–0 after goals from Ademola Lookman and Wilfred Ndidi put daylight between both sides. At that point, it felt like the match was done and dusted.
Then came the wobble. Tunisia pulled one back through Talbi from a free kick, a goal that looked harmless but changed the mood completely. When Abdi calmly converted an 87th-minute penalty, the game suddenly caught fire. Tunisia smelled blood and threw everything forward, while Nigeria began to retreat and defend deep.
The Tunisians came agonisingly close to forcing extra time when captain Sassi met a late chance with a looping header. Nwabali was stranded, watching helplessly as the ball drifted just inches wide of the far post. It was a heart-in-mouth moment for Nigerian fans.
Nigeria even had a chance to kill the game late on. Substitute Chidera Ejuke burst into space and drove into the box with Victor Osimhen in support, but his shot was weak and straight at Dahmen, who saved comfortably.
In the end, it was a dramatic encounter Nigeria will be relieved to put behind them. They made things harder than necessary, lived dangerously in the closing minutes, but still did just enough to see out the storm.
The victory confirms Nigeria as Group C winners and books their place in the AFCON last 16—but it also serves as a reminder that against stronger opposition, such lapses could prove costly.
