Category sport-news

The Super Eagles won Group C at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) game against Nigeria and Tunisia to seal a nervy 3-2 victory. &nbsp,

The Super Eagles and Carthage Eagles squared off in an AFCON for the seventh time.

Tunisia won once, and Nigeria won three. Following penalty shootouts, each nation won one of the two meetings.

The Super Eagles will want to keep their 100 percent record, but with the win, they are guaranteed top spot in Group C. Tunisia is aware that a draw will be sufficient to secure their spot as second-place.

Lessons from the match between Tunisia and Nigeria

Six things can be learned from Nigeria and Tunisia, as follows. &nbsp,

The Masterclass picture by Mola. twitter.com/66ImeWYRzg

The Super Eagles dominated the Tunisian defense with effective interplay between Adams and Osimhen, approaching the game like a team with a mission. Iwobi was a key player for the three-time African champions because of Frank Onyeka’s addition in midfield and his freedom to roam.

A Shaky Defense

The Tunisians did a near-perfect game in the late stages of the match, with the Super Eagles restricting the Carthaginian Eagles to half-chances that Stanley Nwabali did not trouble in goal in the first 70 minutes.

Bruno Oyemaechi and Bright Osayi-Samuel were left anxious by the late pressure, so they needed to rely on Calvin Bassey’s brute strength to save them from blushes.

Read more about Late Penalty Miss’s Deny Uganda’s AFCON victory over Tanzania

Osimhen demonstrates aerial skill

The Galatasaray point man was desperate to get on the scoresheet in Nigeria’s previous encounter with Tanzania.

His header from an Akor Adams cross appeared to have flown in the same direction, but his header was only good enough to graze the top of the net. His persistence, however, paid off when he was Ademola Lookman’s cross was defeated by Aymen Dahmen with ease.

Moroccan Soaring by Lookman

Lookman, the man of the match, scored the game’s opening goal as Osimhen opened the scoring.

For a player who has struggled to maintain consistency throughout 2025. In this tournament, Lookman seems to have found his groove. The Atalanta man scored two goals and added two assists in the World Cup qualifiers for 2026, which many had hoped would happen.

His goal was well-taken to put him on the score sheet and increase Nigeria’s lead, but his crosses into the 18-yard box caused some concern for the Tunisians.

Midfield cohesion

Skippo is referencing the image from the “96 Spirit” series. twitter.com/TD2XVBoC9p

Fans and pundits had doubts about the team’s imagination and perseverance heading into the tournament. However, Wilfred Ndidi, Iwobi, and Onyeka are all capable of having a good understanding.

Iwobi, who plays for Fulham, was the middle-field trio’s star, pulling the strings and dictating play from the beginning. While the Captain Ndidi demanded the strength and stability of a person wearing an arm band, Onyeka displayed the strength and stability.

Nwabali Must Take a New berth

Many people would have assumed that Stanley Nwabali’s mistakes would no longer exist.

The Nigerian could have done better with Tunisia’s opening goal of the night, but the Chippa United man had other things in store. At times throughout the match, his communication with the defense line was questioned.

Knockouts were resolved, and priorities were changed

After beating Tunisia 3-2 in a five-goal thriller at Fez Stadium on Saturday, Nigeria’s Super Eagles were able to advance to the Round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman gave the Super Eagles a 3-3 lead before the Super Eagles could cruise to victory.

In the top-of-the-table Group C encounter, Tunisia refused to concede, and Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi scored to set up a tense conclusion.

In the seventh minute of added time, Tunisia had two chances to equalize, but Ferjani Sassi’s header and Ismael Gharbi’s shot were both just off target.

With the final group game set for Tuesday, Nigeria will have six points, Tunisia will have three, and Tanzania will have one.

Read more about Late Penalty Miss’s Deny Uganda’s AFCON victory over Tanzania

The Super Eagles and Carthage Eagles squared off in an AFCON for the seventh time.

Tunisia and Nigeria both won once. Following penalty shootouts, each nation won one of the two meetings.

After falling far short of what they needed in the opening round, Nigeria turned heads in the first 30 minutes of play in Tunisia.

Tunisia had to fight back against the three-time champions frequently, especially in aerial duels, while Osimhen excelled.

The Galatasaray striker, who is sporting his signature mask, headed just over after nine minutes before rising to meet a corner kick.

After 17 minutes, Osimhen was awarded an offside penalty. The 2023 African player of the year was filmed on big-screen replays before his run was too early.

Furious Mejbri, &nbsp

After reacting furiously when a Nigerian made a foul throw and flung the ball into the ground, Tunisia midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was fortunate to escape a yellow card for dissent.

Osimhen left the pitch temporarily so that the medical staff could spray a shot to his leg after another headed goal attempt.

On 32 minutes, Tunisia finally forced a corner after breaking out of a defensive shell. The ball was returned to Abdi after the set-piece, and his shot soared well over.

The goalless deadlock was broken after 44 minutes with Osimhen, unavoidably the scorer, in a number of Tunisian raids that produced no results.

Two former African players of the year, Lookman and Osimhen, both advancing past the halfway point, crossed the ball and drilled into the net with a powerful header from Talbi.

Nigeria increased their lead to two goals just five minutes into the second half, again exposing the defense’s aerial weaknesses.

Lookman, the Atalanta striker, soared a corner into the goalmouth where Ndidi soared to beat goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen for his first international goal.

Lookman scored the third goal on 67 minutes after Osimhen had already set up the first two goals. Before slamming the ball off the post, he had some control over the situation.

With 16 minutes left, Tunisia won the game. After a successful aerial battle, Talbi free-kick-directed into the net for the North Africans.

At the Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, Uganda’s Allan Okello was forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against his country’s neighbor, Tanzania.

After Uche Ikpeazu scored a late equaliser for the Cranes in front of 10, 540 fans at Rabat’s Al Medina Stadium, Okello’s failure to convert from the spot gave Uganda a priceless victory in Group C.

Before that, it appeared as though Tanzania, which has lost all but 10 of its previous AFCON matches, might finally win when Simon Msuva scored from the penalty spot.

With 10 minutes left, Ikpeazu, who plays for St Johnstone in the Scottish second division, headed in a cross from fellow substitute Denis Omedi to bring the score level.

“I feel terrible because I don’t believe this draw was merited.” Coach Paul Put of Uganda, “I believe we had more opportunities.”

He remarked about the missed penalty, saying, “That is also football.”

The regional rivals, who will host the 2027 Cup of Nations with Kenya in addition, have little chance of making it to Group C’s last 16 due to their stalemate.

AFCON 2025: Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ Eye Revenge Against Tunisia — Kickoff Time, Team News, READ ALSO.

Both teams are currently tied for one point after two matches, with Tunisia and Nigeria facing off in Fes on Saturday.

Despite their best efforts, Put’s team will face Nigeria on the next day.

Uganda, who have won just one AFCON championship game win in three games since 1978’s final, came closest to scoring in the first half.

Rogers Mato’s head hit a left-angled Aziz Kayondo cross, which bounced back after the effort fell off the crossbar.

Just before the hour mark, Alphonce Msanga’s shot struck the arm of Ugandan Baba Alhassan, who was awarded a spot-kick.

The seasoned Msuva, who plays for club football in Iraq, was unaffected when he first started scoring goals at three different AFCON competitions.

However, Tanzania wasted the lead after a dramatic end to the game in the midst of a pouring downpour before breathing a great sigh of relief as Uganda missed a chance to win.

When James Bogere fell as his shirt was pulled by Tanzania defender Haji Mnoga of Salford City, Ikpeazu won the penalty and the game was 1-1.

Okello stepped up just before the 90th minute when the game was in the 90th, perhaps offended by a massive thunderclap that sent his kick over the bar.

Coach Miguel Angel Gamondi expressed his disappointment with the outcome, “We tried to win the game but we could have lost it in the final five minutes.”

“I’m sorry for everyone in Tanzania,” the hosts said after their first victory at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria faced Tunisia in its second game, with the prospect of second-round qualification, after defeating Tanzania 2-1 in the opening Group C match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman’s goals secured their team’s 3-2 victory over Tunisia and passage to the round of 16 elimination.

The 2025 AFCON between Nigeria and Tunisia was broadcast live on Channels Television. Thank you for joining us for a game-by-blow overview.

87′ GOAL! Abdi scores for Tunisia at 3-2.

Tunisia is one goal away from drawing level when Abdi kicks the ball into the top-right corner of the goal from the penalty spot. Tunisia was given a penalty by the referee after the ball was handled in the penalty area.

75′ GOAL! Nigeria wins 3-1 in Gujarat.

Mejbri sent the ball into the box after Tunisia won a free kick on the left.

Gharbi directed the ball toward the far post after it reached him. Nwabali was sent into the net after the deflection went wrong.

67′ GOAL! Lookman Scores: Tunisia 3-0, Nigeria

In Fez, Nigeria are undisputed leaders. Iwobi threads a fine pass to Osimhen to the right, which is the result of a well-executed team move.

Osimhen hurries into the box and swayes to Lookman to the left. Lookman makes a short movement toward the left post before deflecting the ball into the net with plenty of room.

50′ GOAL! Nigeria defeated Tunisia 2-0.

A left-handed Nigerian corner was won. Lookman headed the ball into the net, where it was found by Ndidi, who slammed it deftly past Dahmen.

Ndidi’s first international goal came right away, and his teammates immediately surrounded him. Nigeria appears to be on a strong course to make it to Round 16

46 Second half is underway.

Tunisia 1-0 at half-time.

44′ GOAL! Tunisia vs. Nigeria: Osimhen gives them the lead with a score of 1-0.

Victor Osimhen finally ends his AFCON 2025 goal drought!

A stunning cross from Lookman to the left made the connection between the Galatasaray striker. Osimhen perfectly timed his run, heading past Dahmen at the far post.

As teammates embraced him in joy, he immediately ran out and celebrated. Nigeria deserved the victory, and it will approach the break with confidence.

Tunisia is 36′ Growing into the Match

The North Africans are beginning to assert themselves after a quiet first 30 minutes.

On the right edge of the box, Abdi sends a ball over the top to Mastouri, who then attempts a chip into the danger area, but the ball misses for a left-side corner.

Mejbri gives the corner from the left, but Osimhen makes a head-but-forgett.

Tunisia’s 32nd Team Earns Their First Corner

Mejbri delivers a corner from the right, demonstrating their first real attacking intent. As the ball bounces around the box, Osimhen rises to meet it with a header.

Abdi fires a shot over the crossbar after the ball eventually falls to him outside the box to the right.

Another Corner: Another Corner for Nigeria at 28′

From the right, Lookman floated the ball in. Iwobi attempted to redirect the ball, but it was eventually cleared after Osimhen got a touch while positioned at the far post.

Osimhen’s goal at 17′ is flagged as offside.

Before entering the box, Lookman made a run to the right of center and fired his way to the goal.

Osimhen perfectly timed his run by sliding the ball past the goalkeeper after Dahmen rebounded.

The referee immediately flagged Osimhen for offside and gave him the goal, but the ball hit the back of the net. The striker has allowed the fifth goal in the tournament without an exception.

11′ Nigeria Wins First Corner

Osimhen rose up to meet the ball, which Lookman delivered from the right, but his angled header once more fell over the bar.

Tunisia have been under pressure, and they will be hoping to improve.

Osimhen misses another chance, 9′.

On the right flank, Adams gathered the ball and headed to Osimhen’s far post. A well-timed header from the striker was well received, but it went just over the crossbar.

Nigeria lacked a prime opportunity to take the lead early.

Osimhen’s 6′ effort crosses the bar.

The striker for Galatasaray picked up the ball outside the box on the right. The ball soared high over the crossbar and into the stands as he attempted to score it.

Nigeria’s crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations clash against Tunisia will be played under the guidance of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle.

Victor Osimhen, who is in charge of Nigeria’s quest for the continental title, highlights his crucial contribution to the country’s pursuit of the title.

A balanced squad, combining the best players from the past and promising young players, was created by Chelle to balance the midfield while addressing Tunisia’s defense’s weaknesses.

A win could help Nigeria advance to the round of 16 and keep their AFCON campaign on track with the outcome of the match, which is expected to be a fiercely contested encounter.

See the following list in its entirety:

After winning over Tanzania, Eric Chelle makes two changes.

Bruno Onyemaechi and Frank Onyeka begin
In midfield, Alex Iwobi pulls the strings.
Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen are in the NGO #Naija4TheWin #AFCON2025 photo. twitter.com/lzkakME3Ou

In a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Ollie Watkins scored twice to keep Aston Villa’s unanticipated Premier League title challenge on the line.

Prior to being unleashed by Unai Emery for a second-half double, the England international had only scored three goals all season.

Third-placed Villa is now three points clear of Arsenal, who they will face next on Tuesday, with an 11th successive victory.

Chelsea were Arsenal’s closest rivals less than a month ago, but they have only won once in their last six league games.

Despite leading 1-0 at the break, the Blues were depressed for not to continue their first-half dominance.

Early in the match, Cole Palmer fired a wide, and Enzo Fernandez’s curling effort dipped far beyond the post.

As Chelsea controlled possession and finally broke the deadlock on 37 minutes, the relentless Moises Caicedo and Palmer made further attempts to block them.

Emi Martinez and Reece James both slammed into Emi Martinez’ leg as the Villa goal was struggling.

Also available: &nbsp, Delap, Estevao In Line For Chelsea’s Aston Villa Recap.

After coming back from 2-0 down in the 2-2 draw at Newcastle last weekend, the former Brighton forward scored his second goal in two games.

After a shaky run of results, Enzo Maresca’s situation eased as a result of his concerns about Pep Guardiola’s potential replacement and his criticism of the club’s lack of support.

However, the opposite happened when Chelsea lost in the second half and the visitors started to prosper.

Watkins was replaced on the hour mark alongside former Chelsea wingers Jadon Sancho and Amadou Onana with a triple substitution by Emery.

Robert Sanchez, the Chelsea stopper, quickly denied Boubacar Kamara, but Watkins broke through shortly afterward to level.

The striker discovered a gap between Chelsea’s center-backs, and Sanchez saved his shot before ricocheting off Watkins and into the post.

As Villa took control, Sanchez nearly thwarted Ian Maatsen, a former Chelsea defender.

Maresca was told to leave the touchline, but Villa kept up the momentum with Palmer’s departure, who reacted with dismay after being replaced.

However, Villa grew stronger and won when Watkins reached the top of the table in Youri Tielemans’ favor, making their best run since 1914.

Crucially, Emery’s men also move Chelsea’s position 10 points clear of Chelsea in the Champions League race for the coming season.