Nigeria and Tunisia produced an Africa Cup of Nations classic in Fès on Saturday night, ending in a thrilling 3-2 victory for the Super Eagles.
Goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman sealed a second straight win for the Super Eagles and confirmed their place in the knockout rounds of AFCON 2025 with a game to spare.
But beneath the celebration sat important lessons for head coach Eric Chelle, whose side thrilled going forward but again flirted with danger late on.
Here are six key takeaways from one of the tournament’s most entertaining matches so far.
Nigeria’s high press is effective, but costly after 70 minutes
There is no doubt about Eric Chelle’s vision. Nigeria pressed Tunisia aggressively, hunted in packs and dominated central areas for long spells. The Super Eagles’ energy suffocated Tunisia’s build-up and allowed Nigeria to play most of the game in the opposition half.
However, the cost of that intensity became clear after the 70th minute.
Nigeria’s press dropped noticeably, midfield distances grew, and Tunisia suddenly found space to run at the back line. Without the same pressure on the ball, Nigeria’s defence was repeatedly exposed to waves of late attacks.
This is not unusual for a team embracing a modern, high-octane style. But tournament football punishes fatigue. If Nigeria are to go deep, Chelle must find solutions: whether through earlier substitutions, game management, or moments of controlled possession, to help his side sustain intensity deep into matches.
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Stanley Nwabali must improve his command and decision-making
While Nigeria’s outfield play sparkled, Stanley Nwabali endured an uncomfortable night.
The goalkeeper could have done better for Tunisia’s first goal, allowing Montassar Talbi’s header to slip under his arms. Beyond that, he looked uncertain at crosses, flapped under pressure and occasionally placed his defence in danger with indecisive kicks forward.
At AFCON level, fine margins matter. Nigeria will face sharper opponents in the knockout rounds, and goalkeeping uncertainty can undo even the most dominant performances. Nwabali must grow into the tournament quickly, calmer decisions and stronger command of his area are non-negotiable.
Qualification secured but top spot still matters
Nigeria’s win means they are through to the knockout stage with a game to spare, sitting top of Group C on six points, ahead of Tunisia on three, with Tanzania and Uganda on one each.
However, the job is not finished.
Avoiding defeat against Uganda on December 30 will guarantee top spot and, crucially, a more favourable draw in the next round. Chelle may rotate, but complacency would be dangerous. Momentum, rhythm and confidence are precious commodities at AFCON.
Tunisia’s penalty will divide opinion
Tunisia’s second goal came from the spot, and it was controversial.
As the ball dropped in the penalty area, both Bright Osayi-Samuel and a Tunisian player appeared to be grappling, using their arms to gain leverage. The ball brushed both players as they wrestled for position, yet VAR intervention resulted in a penalty awarded against Nigeria.
Ali Abdi converted confidently, but debate will linger. The incident highlighted the VAR’s fine, and sometimes frustrating, margins, where interpretation can shift games in seconds.
Scoring three against Tunisia is a statement
Tunisia arrived in Morocco with a reputation as one of Africa’s most disciplined defensive sides, and for good reason. They did not conceded a single goal in ten World Cup qualifying matches.
Nigeria breached them three times.
That is a significant attacking statement. Lookman was unplayable, Osimhen relentless, and Ndidi’s header stressed Nigeria’s growing threat from set-pieces. For all their defensive questions, the Super Eagles now look capable of hurting any team on the continent.
Defensive standards must rise to win the title
For all the attacking joy, the numbers tell a warning story.
Nigeria have now conceded three goals in two matches. Championship-winning teams rarely allow that level of vulnerability. Tunisia’s late surge, aided by fatigue and goalkeeping errors, nearly turned a dominant performance into heartbreak.
The balance between aggression and control remains Chelle’s biggest challenge. Nigeria’s ceiling is high, but titles are built on defensive authority as much as attacking flair.