Nigeria went top of Group C with a thrilling 3-2 win over Tunisia on a cold winter night in Fez in a very entertaining encounter.
Victor Osimhen put the Super Eagles ahead a minute before half-time with a powerful header from an Ademola Lookman cross as Nigeria went into the break in front.
Wilfred Ndidi then connected powerfully from a Lookman corner kick in the 50th minute to make it 2-0 before Lookman profited from an Osimhen pass on a Nigerian breakaway to score the third.
Tunisia clawed their way back when Taibi got on the end of a Mejbri free-kick and then, in the 74th minute, Abdi scored from the spot to ensure a grandstand finish, but Nigeria held on for the win.
In this article, Footy-Africa teamed up with former Nigeria U23 defender Abdulkadir Aliyu to rate the best three performers on the night and the worst three performers against Tunisia.
AFCON 2025: Schedule, results and standings of the Africa Cup of Nations
Ademola Lookman 9.0
The Atalanta winger arguably had his best game for Nigeria since his heroics at the last AFCON in the Ivory Coast.
Ademola Lookman scored one goal and provided two assists to claim the Man of the Match award against Tunisia.
His immaculate deliveries for the first two goals were just as impressive as his calm demeanour to extend the lead to 3-0 before Tunisia rallied back to score twice.
Lookman has been one of Nigeria’s standout players at the tournament so far, with his overall play, creativity, and commitment on the pitch proving invaluable to the team.
Victor Osimhen 8.5
The Galatasaray forward continued to prove his mettle for the national team with yet another important goal.
Now with 32 goals in Nigerian colours, Victor Osimhen missed two big headers in the first half before converting just before the break.
His work ethic and relentlessness spread across the team as he tracked back and contributed defensively. Osimhen also provided the assist for Lookman to score Nigeria’s third goal.
He could equal Rashidi Yekini’s record at this tournament with performances like this.
Aerial masterclass by Osimhen earns him today’s @1xBet_Eng Goal of the Day! 🇳🇬🤩#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/L4wzvIdQv5
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 28, 2025
Alex Iwobi 8.5
Once again, the midfield maestro picked up from where he left off on Matchday 1, conducting play like the head of an orchestra.
The game appeared to bow to his whims on several occasions as Alex Iwobi dictated the tempo, especially in the first half.
Iwobi was picking passes and threading the eye of the needle repeatedly, finding teammates exactly where they should be.
It has been a strong tournament so far for the Fulham man and Nigerians fans will be hoping that Iwobi will continue this rich form as the tournament progresses.
Worst Performers
Stanley Nwabali 6.0
The Chippa United goalkeeper came into national consciousness at the last Nations Cup, helping Nigeria reach the final, but in this AFCON, Stanley Nwabali has not lived up to those standards.
He slipped and almost injured himself for Tunisia’s first goal and was fortunate to escape a red card for bringing down Ben Romdhane after the Senegalese referee had already blown for a foul earlier in the sequence.
His once-assured presence now appears to be deserting him, with erratic behavior and a noticeable lack of confidence. He needs stronger competition to rediscover his former form.
A big WIN ✅
Round of 16🔒#Naija4TheWin #NGATUN #AFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/ZGekBuPzmj— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 27, 2025
Bright Osayi 6.0
For the second straight game, the Birmingham City defender finds himself in our top three worst performers list.
Bright Osayi struggled badly in the second half against Sébastien Tounekti and was constantly targeted by the Tunisian attack. The winger beat him time and again, leaving him stretched defensively.
While he conceded a harsh penalty, it summed up his overall struggles despite some positives going forward. He needs to raise his level or risk losing his place to Ryan Alebiosu.
Semi Ajayi 6.0
Semi Ajayi was the Man of the Match against Tanzania, but his performance against Tunisia was far from his best in Nigerian colours.
The defender struggled to impose himself as he had in the previous game and found it difficult against Mastouri and Achiouri. He was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card for his challenges.
His foul on Hannibal Mejbri, which resulted in a booking, proved a turning point as he was missing in action for Taibi’s headed goal.
