Match report

Nigeria Defeats Tunisia 3-2 in Thrilling Africa Cup of Nations Match

Nigeria
Nigeria
3–2
FT
Tunisia
Tunisia
Dec 27, 2025

Nigeria emerged victorious with a 3-2 win over Tunisia in a thrilling Africa Cup of Nations encounter. V. Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and A. Lookman scored for Nigeria, while Montassar Talbi and A. Abdi responded for Tunisia with a goal and a penalty respectively. Despite some late pressure from Tunisia, Nigeria held on to secure the victory.

Key Facts

  • • Final Score: Nigeria 3–2 Tunisia
  • • V. Osimhen (44') and Wilfred Ndidi (50') scored for Nigeria
  • • A. Lookman (67') also found the net for Nigeria
  • • Montassar Talbi (74') and A. Abdi (87') scored for Tunisia
  • • V. Osimhen was given a yellow card for argument (44')

Lineups

Nigeria

Formation: 4-3-1-2

Starting XI

  • 23 S. Nwabali (G)
  • 2 B. Osayi-Samuel (D)
  • 6 S. Ajayi (D)
  • 21 C. Bassey (D)
  • 13 B. Onyemaechi (D)
  • 8 F. Onyeka (M)
  • 4 W. Ndidi (M)
  • 17 A. Iwobi (M)
  • 7 A. Lookman (M)
  • 22 A. Adams (F)
  • 9 V. Osimhen (F)

Substitutes

  • 16 A. Obasogie
  • 1 F. Uzoho
  • 27 R. Alebiosu
  • 20 C. Awaziem
  • 5 I. Ogbu
  • 3 Zaidu
  • 26 E. Akinsanmiro
  • 10 F. Dele-Bashiru
  • 28 T. Nnadi
  • 18 R. Onyedika
  • 11 S. Chukwueze
  • 12 C. Dessers
  • 24 C. Ejuke
  • 19 P. Onuachu
  • 15 M. Simon

Tunisia

Starting XI

  • 16 A. Dahmen (G)
  • 20 Y. Valery (D)
  • 6 D. Bronn (D)
  • 3 M. Talbi (D)
  • 2 A. Abdi (D)
  • 17 E. Skhiri (M)
  • 5 M. Ben Romdhane (M)
  • 13 F. Sassi (M)
  • 10 H. Mejbri (M)
  • 9 H. Mastouri (F)
  • 7 E. Achouri (F)

Substitutes

  • 22 B. Ben Said
  • 1 N. Farhati
  • 24 A. Arous
  • 12 A. Maaloul
  • 4 Y. Meriah
  • 15 M. Belhadj
  • 14 M. Ben Ali
  • 21 M. Ben Ouanes
  • 25 H. Tka
  • 19 F. Chaouat
  • 11 I. Gharbi
  • 27 S. Jaziri
  • 8 E. Saad
  • 23 N. Sliti
  • 26 S. Tounekti

Timeline

  1. Nigeria
    44' Nigeria Card · Yellow Card
    V. Osimhen

    Argument

  2. Nigeria
    44' Nigeria Goal · Normal Goal
    V. Osimhen · Assist: A. Lookman
  3. Nigeria
    50' Nigeria Goal · Normal Goal
    Wilfred Ndidi · Assist: A. Lookman
  4. Nigeria
    56' Nigeria Card · Yellow Card
    S. Ajayi

    Foul

  5. Tunisia
    61' Tunisia subst · Substitution 1
    Off: M. Ben Romdhane · On: S. Tounekti
  6. Nigeria
    67' Nigeria Goal · Normal Goal
    A. Lookman · Assist: V. Osimhen
  7. Tunisia
    74' Tunisia Goal · Normal Goal
    Montassar Talbi · Assist: H. Mejbri
  8. Tunisia
    75' Tunisia subst · Substitution 2
    Off: E. Achouri · On: I. Gharbi
  9. Nigeria
    79' Nigeria subst · Substitution 1
    Off: A. Adams · On: C. Ejuke
  10. Nigeria
    79' Nigeria subst · Substitution 2
    Off: F. Onyeka · On: M. Simon
  11. Tunisia
    84' Tunisia Var · Penalty confirmed
    Montassar Talbi
  12. Tunisia
    87' Tunisia Goal · Penalty
    A. Abdi
  13. Nigeria
    90'+2 Nigeria subst · Substitution 3
    Off: A. Lookman · On: Chidozie Awaziem
  14. Nigeria
    90'+6 Nigeria Card · Yellow Card
    Stanley Nwabali

    Time wasting

Match Stats

Stat Nigeria Tunisia
Fouls 18 15
Pass Accuracy 88% 79%
Offsides 1 1
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 15 8
Corners 4 6
Total Passes 441 300
Yellow Cards 3 0
Blocked Shots 3 1
Shots on Target 5 2
xG — —
Shots off Target 7 5
Possession 59% 41%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 390 237
Shots Inside Box 10 5
Saves 0 2
Shots Outside Box 5 3

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Nigeria took control early with goals from V. Osimhen and Wilfred Ndidi within six minutes, setting the tone for their victory.
  • ▸ A. Lookman's goal at 67' put Nigeria comfortably ahead, but Tunisia fought back with a goal from Montassar Talbi and a penalty by A. Abdi, showcasing their resilience.