Nigeria vs Tunisia 3-2: AFCON 2025 – as it happened

Nigeria and Tunisia played arguably the match of the tournament so far in a pulsating 3-2 result.

Nigeria join Egypt in the round of 16, while Tunisia will hope they can make their own entry in their final group match against Tanzania on December 30.

We hope you enjoyed our coverage, and on behalf of Kevin Hand, this is Rohan Sharma signing off.

A big WIN ✅
Round of 16🔒#Naija4TheWin #NGATUN #AFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/ZGekBuPzmj

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 27, 2025

While we reflect on the match in Morocco, you can also check out our review of the day’s English Premier League action by clicking here.

December 28

• Group F: Gabon vs Mozambique (Adrar Stadium, 1:30pm/12:30 GMT)
• Group E: Equatorial Guinea vs Sudan (Stade Mohammed V, 4pm/15:00 GMT)
• Group E: Algeria vs Burkina Faso (Moulay Hassan Stadium, 6:30pm/17:30 GMT)
• Group F: Ivory Coast vs Cameroon (Marrakesh Stadium, 9pm/20:00 GMT)

December 29

• Group B: Angola vs Egypt (Adrar Stadium, 5pm/16:00 GMT)
• Group B: Zimbabwe vs South Africa (Marrakesh Stadium, 5pm/16:00 GMT)
• Group A: Comoros vs Mali (Stade Mohammed V, 8pm/19:00 GMT)
• Group A: Zambia vs Morocco (Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, 8pm/19:00 GMT)

The full match schedule, groups and format can be found here.

We shift our attention to tennis next, as Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios prepare to face off in the Battle of the Sexes exhibition match.

That one is set to kick off tomorrow at 13:45 GMT, so make sure to tune in.

Tennis is the gift that keeps on giving 🎁

Watch thrilling exhibitions this weekend on the Tennis Channel App! 😯 pic.twitter.com/79NXHkPhtq

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) December 22, 2025

With qualification assured, Nigeria will be able to rest some players ahead of their final group match against Uganda on December 30.

Tunisia now face a must-win situation against Tanzania on the same day, who will also be in the reckoning with them, being on one point as well.

Click here to read our report following the win for the Super Eagles.

Round of 16 | Spot 02. 🇳🇬

Nigeria qualify for the next round of the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/tNzl73s21h

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 27, 2025

“We are not completely unhappy, as the AFCON is always tough,” Senegal scorer Sadio Mane said after the 1-1 draw with DR Congo earlier on Saturday. “It was a tough match, and in this competition, you cannot underrate any team.”

His feelings were in stark contrast with Yohan Roche, who gave DR Congo the lead.

“It is a source of immense pride,” Roche said. “We were aware of the people’s expectations, and we managed to stay focused.”

“I have a very bad feeling because I think we didn’t deserve this draw. I think we had more opportunities,” said Uganda coach Paul Put.

Of the missed penalty, he said, “That is very, very painful, but that is also football.”

The coach, whose team plays Nigeria next, added, “It is not in our hands, but we have to believe.”

“I am a little bit disappointed with the result because we tried to win the game, but we also could have lost it in the last five minutes,” said Tanzania coach Miguel Angel Gamondi.

“We wanted our first win at the Africa Cup of Nations, and I am very sorry for all the Tanzanian people.”

Nigeria leapfrog Tunisia to go to the top of Group C, with six points after two matches.

Tunisia are in second, with three points after two matches, while Tanzania and Uganda round out the group with a point each.

The latter two drew 1-1 in the third AFCON game of the day on Saturday.

With just under 20 minutes remaining, it looked like the Super Eagles were on course, with a 3-0 scoreline.

However, an innocuous first goal from Talbi off a free kick, and then an 87th-minute penalty conversion by Abdi, suddenly burst the match wide open.

Tunisia had the momentum from then on, and refused to surrender it, as they sent in wave after wave of attacks. Nigeria lived very dangerously, but were just able to do enough to ensure they walked away with three important points.

Full-time: Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia 

FULL-TIME! 🇳🇬🇹🇳

A 5-goal thriller ends with a crucial win for Nigeria! #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | @tecnomobile pic.twitter.com/aJqbd4kwy4

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 27, 2025

The Super Eagles survive a nervy 10 minutes or so to remain on top of Group C.

Full-time: Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia 

The Tunisian goes up for a header in the box, with Nwabali stuck in his tracks as the ball goes harmlessly past the left post.

That was very close, and Nigeria breathe a sigh of relief. This is turning out to be a cracking end to the contest.

90+5 mins: Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia 

Nigeria make a run down the left side, with Ejuke haring towards goal.

It looks like he can finish it here for the Super Eagles, but he sends his shot straight at Dahmen, who punches it away.

90+4 mins: Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia 

Lookman’s night comes to a close as he is replaced by Chidozie Awaziem.

90+2 mins: Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia 

Can Tunisia pull off the unthinkable here in Fez?

90 mins: Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia 

Abdi thumps it into the top-right of goal to put Tunisia within one goal of tying this up.

The atmosphere is electric now, as both sets of fans are fully into this. Nigeria were up three to none, but suddenly, they have their work cut out as we head deeper into regulation time.

87 mins: Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia 

Fez erupts as Tunisia are awarded the spot kick.

Seems to be a harsh call, given it went off Osayi’s upper arm, and he had little he could do about it, but Tunisia have their moment now.

86 mins: Nigeria 3-1 Tunisia