The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured their place in the knockout stages of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after a pulsating 3–2 victory over Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles in Fes on Saturday night.

Both sides came into the contest buoyed by opening-day wins, Nigeria having edged Tanzania, while Tunisia saw off Uganda, setting the stage for a high-stakes Group C showdown at the Le Complexe Sportif de Fès. It was Nigeria who rose to the occasion with a performance full of purpose and authority.

Head coach Eric Chelle made two changes to his starting line-up, introducing Bruno Onyemaechi and Frank Onyeka in place of Zaidu Sanusi and Samuel Chukwueze. The Super Eagles started brightly, carving out early chances as Victor Osimhen twice went close with headers, first from Akor Adams’ inviting cross and then from a corner kick.

Nigeria enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and thought they had taken the lead midway through the half when Osimhen turned the ball home after Adams’ effort, only for the flag to rule the goal out for offside. The breakthrough, however, arrived just before the interval as Ademola Lookman’s pinpoint cross was met by a powerful Osimhen header, sending Nigeria deservedly into the break with a 1–0 advantage.

The Super Eagles maintained their intensity after the restart and doubled their lead five minutes into the second half. Once again, Lookman was the provider, delivering a precise ball that captain Wilfred Ndidi headed home to spark celebrations among the Nigerian faithful in the stands.

Nigeria continued to dominate proceedings and effectively sealed the contest in the 67th minute. A slick passing move involving Alex Iwobi and Osimhen ended with Lookman finishing clinically to make it 3–0, a moment that seemed to put the result beyond doubt.

Tunisia, however, mounted a late surge, with Montassar Talbi pulling one back in the 74th minute before Ali Elabdi converted from the penalty spot in the 87th to set up a tense finale. Nigeria held their nerve in the closing stages to secure their second win of the tournament and confirm progression to the knockout rounds.

The Super Eagles will round off their Group C campaign against Uganda’s Cranes on Tuesday, once again in Fes.