×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Kenya's Bold Newspaper
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

Osimhen inspires Nigeria into AFCON knockouts after dramatic win over Tunisia

Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

Nigeria's forward Victor Osimhen (R) celebrates his goal with Bright Osayi-Samuel during the Africa Cup of Nations Group C match vs Tunisia at Fez Stadium in Morocco on December 27, 2025. [Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP]

Victor Osimhen produced a commanding display as Nigeria became the second team to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage following a tense 3-2 victory over Tunisia in Fes on Saturday, December 27, 2025.

The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising after racing into a three-goal lead through Osimhen, captain Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman in a dominant Group C encounter. However, a late Tunisian fightback ensured a nervy finish as Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi struck to put pressure on Nigeria deep into stoppage time.

Tunisia came agonisingly close to forcing an equaliser during seven minutes of added time, but captain Ferjani Sassi’s header drifted just wide before substitute Ismael Gharbi fired narrowly off target, allowing Nigeria to hold on.

The victory takes Nigeria to six points at the top of Group C, with Tunisia on three and Tanzania and Uganda on one apiece ahead of the final round of group matches on Tuesday.

Football
Afcon dream: Kenyan football feeling heat of stadium closure
Football
AFCON 2027 will not be postponed or moved from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania - Motsepe
By AFP 15 hrs ago
Football
Trent return can help Arbeloa's Real Madrid move forward
By AFP 17 hrs ago
Basketball
LeBron James nabs another NBA milestone with triple-double in Lakers win