Ademola Lookman was the main figure in Nigeria’s first-ever three-match-winning streak as the Super Eagles famously upset Tunisia 3-2 to qualify for the round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The match kicked off with very high energy, and although there were some good-looking moves, no really clear chance was created in the first minutes. Victor Osimhen missed two headers within the first 15 minutes and later had a shot at close range disallowed for offside after being the fastest to react to Akor Adams’ saved shot. Tunisia responded momentarily with Hannibal Mejbri and Ali Abdi, but it wasn’t long before Nigeria took over completely.
The goal, which was also the first, came just before halftime with Osimhen being able to escape his defender and head home from Lookman’s perfectly timed cross. Nigeria went back onto the field after the interval with the same spirit they had in the first half and scored their second goal barely five minutes from the resumption when Wilfred Ndidi was the one who met Lookman’s corner with a powerful header for his first-ever goal for Nigeria!
Lookman reached even higher with his dramatic display 20 minutes from the end, first beating his marker and then shooting from distance to make it 3-0. In the end, Tunisia proved to be a threat with a late rally as both Montassar Talbi and Abdi scored to breathe some resistance.
Nonetheless, Nigeria didn’t give up their lead despite the pressure high to their victory and thereby enhanced their group-stage record at AFCON and proved that they are through. Tunisia stays second going into their last match of the group.
