Nigeria’s Super Eagles produced a blistering first-half performance before surviving a dramatic late scare to beat Tunisia 3–2 in their Matchday 2 Group C clash at the Africa Cup of Nations, sealing an unassailable six-point lead and early qualification for the knockout stage.

The Super Eagles began the contest in supersonic fashion, overwhelming the Tunisians with pace, precision passing and relentless attacking intent. For more than 70 minutes, Nigeria looked every inch genuine AFCON title contenders as they raced into a commanding 3–0 lead.

Victor Osimhen was at the heart of Nigeria’s early dominance, forcing openings and stretching the Tunisian defence. He thought he had opened the scoring in the 17th minute, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. The Napoli striker, however, was not to be denied and finally broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, rising highest to head home Ademola Lookman’s deep cross for his first goal of the tournament.

Nigeria struck again within five minutes of the restart. Lookman, again the provider, swung in a teasing corner that captain Wilfred Ndidi powered home with a firm header to double the advantage. The Atalanta winger then capped his influential display by adding the third goal himself, finishing clinically off the post as Nigeria threatened to run away with the contest.

With just under 20 minutes remaining and Nigeria cruising at 3–0, the match appeared settled. But an innocuous free-kick routine handed Tunisia a lifeline when Montassar Talbi pulled a goal back, suddenly shifting the momentum.

The tension rose sharply in the 87th minute when Ali Abdi converted a penalty to reduce the deficit to 3–2. Tunisia surged forward in waves, piling pressure on a Nigerian side that began to show the defensive fragility that previously cost them a place at next summer’s World Cup.

Tunisia’s defender Ali Abdi scores a penalty in front of Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali [Abdel Majid Bziouat/AFP]

Nigeria lived dangerously in the closing minutes, but they held their nerve and did just enough to see out the contest, securing three vital points and confirming their status as one of the early pace-setters at the tournament.

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Nigerian heritage took centre stage in Group C of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday as Nigerian-born Uche Ikpeazu struck late to earn Uganda a 1–1 draw against Tanzania, a result that now puts Nigeria firmly in the qualification equation.

Ikpeazu, born to a Nigerian father and Ugandan mother, came off the bench to head home the equaliser and hand the Cranes their first point of the tournament in Morocco. The outcome leaves both Uganda and Tanzania needing victories on the final day, with the Cranes set for a decisive showdown against Nigeria.

It also means that the winless streak of Tanzania continues.  They had looked on course for a crucial win after Simon Msuva converted from the penalty spot shortly after the hour mark. The spot kick was awarded following a handball by Uganda midfielder Baba Alhassan, and Msuva sent his effort into the top corner beyond veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango, making his first start of the tournament.

Uganda, however, refused to fold. Playing with urgency as heavy rain began to fall, the Cranes pushed forward and were rewarded when Ikpeazu rose highest to meet a Denis Omedi cross, powering a header past Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Foba to restore parity.

The dramatic finale could have tilted fully in Uganda’s favour. Substitute James Bogere was dragged down in the box, earning a second penalty, but Allan Okello blazed his kick over the bar, sparing Tanzania and ensuring the spoils were shared. Tanzania nearly snatched a winner moments later, but Onyango’s scare ended with the final shot drifting just wide.

For Nigeria, the draw sharpens the stakes. With Uganda now buoyed by Ikpeazu’s impact and Tanzania still alive, Group C remains wide open. The Super Eagles will face Uganda in a must-win encounter on Tuesday, knowing that a victory would not only settle qualification matters but also end the hopes of a side inspired by a striker with Nigerian roots.

Tanzania, meanwhile, must overcome Tunisia to keep their own Round of 16 ambitions alive, setting up a tense final day in a group where Nigerian influence has already left a decisive mark.

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Yohan Roche fired Benin to history on Saturday. His deflected strike sealed a 1-0 win over Botswana in Group D at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The breakthrough came in the 28th minute. Roche exchanged passes with captain Steve Mounié, then shot from close range. A defender’s touch wrong-footed the keeper and sent Benin into dreamland.

It was their first victory at the finals after 16 attempts since debuting in 2004. They had five draws and 10 defeats before this moment, despite reaching the quarter-finals in 2019.

Botswana offered little threat. Mothusi Johnson clipped the bar with a curling free-kick, their best chance of the night. Benin could have added more, but Goitseone Phoko denied Tamimou Ouorou with a sharp low save. Dodo Dokou wasted a golden chance in stoppage time, blasting over from 12 yards.

The win lifts Benin to three points, level with Senegal and DR Congo. Those two sides met later in Tangier.

Botswana remain winless in the competition. They have now lost all five of their Cup of Nations matches, stretching back to their debut in 2012.

Next up: Benin face Senegal on Tuesday. Botswana take on DR Congo. The top two teams in each group, plus four best third-placed sides, advance to the Round of 16.

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