Ademola Lookman delivered a match-winning performance to earn the Man of the Match award as Nigeria edged Tunisia 3-2 in a thrilling Group C clash at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Atalanta forward was at the heart of Nigeria’s attacking play, registering a goal and assisting other two to inspire the Super Eagles to a crucial victory that sealed their qualification to the Round of 16.
Playing at the Fez Stadium, Nigeria showed intent from the opening exchanges and were rewarded in the first half when Victor Osimhen rose highest to head home and give his side the lead.
Osimhen had earlier thought he had opened the scoring in the 17th minute, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
The Galatasaray striker eventually broke the deadlock, though his celebrations earned him a yellow card for an inappropriate gesture.
Nigeria carried their momentum into the second half and doubled their advantage shortly after the restart, with captain Wilfred Ndidi finding the net to put the Super Eagles firmly in control.
Lookman then put the result beyond doubt when he calmly finished after being set up by Osimhen, capping a dominant individual display.
Tunisia, however, refused to go down without a fight and struck twice late on to set up a nervy finale.
Despite the late pressure, Nigeria held their composure to see out the win and claim maximum points.
The victory confirmed Nigeria’s place in the knockout stages, joining Egypt among the teams already through to the second round.
Osimhen’s goal was his second at the Africa Cup of Nations in 10 appearances.
The prolific striker now sits five goals behind the iconic Rashidi Yekini’s long-standing national scoring record, further underlining his growing importance to the Nigerian national team.
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