The Super Eagles have landed: 5 things we learnt as Nigeria clipped Tunisia’s wings

In a pulsating Matchday 2 encounter at the Complexe Sportif de Fes, the Super Eagles of Nigeria secured their spot in the Round of 16 with a thrilling 3–2 victory over Tunisia.

It was a game of ‘Chelle-Ball’ mastery, individual redemption, and a few late-game jitters that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Here are five key takeaways from Nigeria’s statement win:

Before the match, coach Eric Chelle teased a tactical shift before the game, and he delivered. Unlike the counter-attacking Nigeria of old, the Super Eagles decided to have the ball against a technically gifted Tunisian side.

Nigeria dictated the tempo from the start, using a high-possession game to tire out the Carthage Eagles. This proactive approach showed a team that is no longer content to react to opponents but wants to impose its identity on the biggest stages.

The wait is over! Victor Osimhen finally scored his first goal of AFCON 2025, but it wasn't a smooth ride.

The Galatasaray striker started the game uncharacteristically slowly, missing two sitters, one header over the bar and another over from close range, that had fans worried his luck had run dry.

However, his persistence paid off in the 44th minute when he buried a bullet header to open the scoring. With the goal drought broken, the rest of the continent should be on high alert.

If there were any doubts about who Nigeria’s most influential player is right now, Ademola Lookman ended them.

The Atalanta man was the heartbeat of the attack, recording two important assists before getting on the scoresheet himself.

He first picked out Osimhen for the opener. He then delivered a pinpoint corner for Wilfred Ndidi’s header.

He capped his night by smashing home a third goal off the post after brilliant work from Osimhen and Alex Iwobi. Lookman isn't just a goalscorer; he is the engine making the Super Eagles fly.

One of the biggest criticisms of this Nigerian squad in the past has been switching off once they take a lead. Today was different.

Nigeria maintained a relentless intensity for the full 90 minutes. Even when they were 3–0 up, the pressing remained high and the transitions remained lightning-fast.

While Tunisia’s late two-goal surge made the scoreboard look close, the underlying performance was one of total, sustained dominance.

On his second match as new skipper, Wilfred Ndidi finally found the back of the net for the Super Eagles.

Wearing the captain's armband, Ndidi provided the defensive shield that allowed the attackers to flourish, but his headed goal in the 50th minute was the insurance policy Nigeria needed.

His leadership in the middle of the park was the glue that held Chelle’s possession-based system together under pressure. Nigeria has now officially qualified for the Round of 16.