Nigeria delivered one of their strongest performances of the AFCON 2025 group stage with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Tunisia, confirming their status as serious contenders in the tournament. Dominant for long stretches, the Super Eagles built a commanding lead before surviving a late Tunisian comeback.
Victor Osimhen opened the scoring just before halftime, finally finding the net after several near misses earlier in the competition. Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman added to Nigeria’s advantage in the second half, putting the team 3-0 ahead and seemingly in full control of the match.
Tunisia, however, refused to fold. Two late goals reduced the margin and turned the final minutes into a tense affair, but Nigeria held firm to secure all three points. The result guarantees the Super Eagles top spot in their group, regardless of the outcome of their final match against Uganda.
Osimhen’s goal was a significant moment, ending a long wait at the Africa Cup of Nations. Beyond scoring, the striker was heavily involved in Nigeria’s attacking play, showing improved link-up and unselfishness, particularly in his combination with Lookman.
Lookman was the standout performer on the night. Constantly on the move, he stretched Tunisia’s defense, delivered the cross for Osimhen’s opener, scored one goal himself and provided the corner that led to Ndidi’s header. His display earned him the match’s top individual honors and underlined his importance to the team.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi also made his mark, scoring his first international goal for Nigeria. Operating efficiently in midfield, he balanced defensive duties with leadership, continuing his strong start to the tournament as skipper.
Head coach Eric Sekou Chelle deserves credit for his tactical adjustments. By reinforcing midfield and opting for a flexible setup, Nigeria matched Tunisia’s intensity and pace, dominating possession and duels for much of the contest. While the late lapse in concentration will concern the coaching staff, the overall performance was highly encouraging.
With their attacking trio growing in confidence and cohesion, Nigeria head into the knockout stages with momentum and belief, having shown both quality and resilience against one of Africa’s toughest opponents.
About the author
Le Togo renforce la gouvernance du secteur halieutique
Le Togo poursuit ses efforts pour moderniser son secteur halieutique avec l'ouverture, le 28 juillet 2026 à Lomé, d'un atelier national consacré à l'amélioration de la gouvernance de la pêche et de l'aquaculture. Pendant quatre jours, des représentants des administrations publiques, des professionnels du secteur et des partenaires techniques examinent les réformes nécessaires pour aligner la stratégie nationale sur le Cadre politique et de la stratégie de réforme de la pêche et de l'aquaculture (CPSR) de l'Union africaine. Organisée dans le cadre de la deuxième phase du projet FishGov2, avec le soutien financier de l'Union européenne (UE), cette rencontre vise à renforcer la gestion durable des ressources halieutiques et à accélérer le développement du secteur. Évaluer les politiques nationales Les participants analysent la conformité des politiques togolaises avec les orientations de l'Union africaine afin d'identifier les points forts, les insuffisances […]
Le Togo obtient un appui de la BAD pour l’industrie
Le Togo fait partie des cinq pays africains sélectionnés pour bénéficier d'un financement de 3,48 millions de dollars approuvé par le Fonds africain de développement (FAD), le guichet concessionnel du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (BAD). Ce financement profitera également au Cameroun, au Tchad, aux Comores et à Madagascar. Il vise à renforcer les politiques industrielles et commerciales de ces pays tout en accélérant la mise en œuvre de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf). Le projet prévoit notamment la réalisation d'études sur l'Initiative pour le développement industriel accéléré de l'Afrique (AIDA). Il permettra aussi de renforcer les capacités des administrations publiques afin de concevoir des politiques basées sur des données fiables, tout en intégrant les enjeux liés au climat, à l'égalité des genres et au développement des petites et moyennes entreprises (PME). Selon la Banque africaine […]
Lomé accueille le Forum sur la protection des données
Lomé accueille depuis le 28 juillet 2026 la deuxième édition du Forum international sur la protection des données à caractère personnel, un rendez-vous qui réunit des experts, des régulateurs et des professionnels du numérique autour des défis liés à la protection des données dans un environnement numérique en pleine évolution. L'événement, qui s'achève le 29 juillet, rassemble des spécialistes de la cybersécurité, de la gouvernance des données et de la transformation numérique, ainsi que des représentants des secteurs public et privé venus du Togo et de plusieurs pays de la sous-région. Placée sous le thème « Sécuriser le capital confiance, maîtriser les risques », cette édition met l'accent sur les stratégies permettant de renforcer la confiance numérique tout en protégeant les informations personnelles des citoyens et des organisations. Les discussions portent notamment sur les évolutions des réglementations, les défis liés […]
Palakiyem Assih prend la tête du conseil de CDA
Le Togolais Palakiyem Assih a été nommé président du Conseil d'administration de Cyber Defense Africa (CDA), a annoncé l'entreprise le 28 juillet 2026. Cette nomination marque une nouvelle étape dans la carrière de ce spécialiste de la cybersécurité, impliqué dans le développement de l'entreprise depuis sa création en 2019. Avant d'accéder à cette fonction, Palakiyem Assih occupait le poste de directeur technique (Chief Technology Officer - CTO) de Cyber Defense Africa. Il dirigeait également le CERT.tg, le centre national chargé de la réponse aux incidents de cybersécurité au Togo. Au fil des années, il a joué un rôle important dans le renforcement des capacités du pays en matière de cybersécurité et dans le développement des activités techniques de l'entreprise. Le cofondateur et directeur général de Cyber Defense Africa, Simon Melchior, a salué cette nomination, estimant qu'elle récompense l'engagement, le professionnalisme […]
Togo : les projets Banque mondiale sous évaluation
Le gouvernement togolais souhaite améliorer la performance des projets réalisés avec le soutien de la Banque mondiale afin d'assurer un meilleur impact sur les populations. Le mardi 28 juillet 2026 à Lomé, les coordinateurs des projets du portefeuille Togo–Banque mondiale ont participé à une réunion d'évaluation présidée par la ministre, Secrétaire générale de la Présidence du Conseil, Sandra Johnson. Cette rencontre s'inscrit dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre de la feuille de route gouvernementale 2026-2031. L'objectif principal de cette revue était de comparer l'état d'avancement des projets et les niveaux de décaissement avec les résultats obtenus sur le terrain. Les autorités veulent désormais s'assurer que les investissements financés profitent réellement aux bénéficiaires et améliorent leurs conditions de vie. Premier partenaire technique et financier du Togo, la Banque mondiale intervient dans plusieurs secteurs clés, notamment les infrastructures, l'éducation, la […]
Sonam Wangchuk Extends Hunger Strike in India
Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk has entered the 26th day of his hunger strike, saying he has lost 11 kilograms but remains determined to continue until the government guarantees the safety of student protesters. Wangchuk, widely known as "Sonam Sir," has become the face of a nationwide movement led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding major education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over repeated examination paper leaks. The activist was removed from the protest site at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday and admitted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he remains under medical care while continuing his fast. Hospital officials said Wangchuk is being treated by a multidisciplinary team and remains stable. They added that all medical care is being provided with his informed consent. Protests Continue Despite Police Crackdown Thousands of […]
Related
World Cup must be kept out of private hands – Chelsea manager Alonso
Alonso backs UEFA’s opposition to FIFA’s plan to create a commercial subsidiary for the World Cup and allow private investors to acquire stakes, warning it could undermine the sport’s authenticity. Speaking in Sydney, where Chelsea are on a pre-season tour, the Spanish World Cup winner said: “I think that football has to be for the people, not in private hands.” He added that fans love the game because it is for everyone, and that some things about the World Cup should stay the same to preserve its emotions and passion. European football’s governing body UEFA has said it is ready to boycott the World Cup over the proposal, arguing the sport “cannot be dictated by the expectations of those whose first duty is to maximise financial return.” FIFA, however, has vowed to press ahead with an “open and democratic” consultation, […]
Commonwealth Games: Amusan storms into 100m hurdles final
Tobi Amusan delivered a commanding run in the opening semifinal, clocking a wind‑assisted 12.19 seconds to top the field and book her place in Thursday’s final. The former world champion finished comfortably ahead of South Africa’s Marione Fourie (12.50s) and Jamaica’s Kerrica Hill (12.69s) in her heat. Although Amusan’s time is the fastest ever recorded in the event at the Commonwealth Games, it will not count as a Games record because it was aided by a +3.8m/s tailwind, above the legal +2.0m/s limit for record purposes. Amusan looked in complete control throughout the race, pulling away from the pack to secure automatic qualification for the final later on Thursday. A victory in the final would add the Commonwealth Games women’s 100m hurdles title to her collection of international honours and further cement her status as one of the world’s leading […]
FIFA issues deadline to members over plan to sell $4 bn stake
FIFA has given member associations until September 19 to support a plan that would sell a stake in its major competitions, with each member reportedly set to receive $40 million if the proposal goes through.supersport+1 According to reports, FIFA wants to create a new company to run its biggest events, including the World Cup and Club World Cup, and then sell up to 20 or 21 percent of the business to private investors. The move could generate about $4.2 billion, while a broader funding package tied to the project could rise to $10 billion.reuters+4 FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reportedly told member associations that they must decide by September 19 if they want to benefit from the payout. If approved, the plan would represent one of FIFA’s biggest commercial shifts in recent years and could reshape how the body funds […]
Real Madrid in negotiations to buy Leipzig’s Diomande, source reveals
Real Madrid have opened talks with RB Leipzig over a move for Ivorian winger Yan Diomande, according to a source at the German club. The source told AFP that negotiations between both clubs are ongoing, with Real Madrid pushing to complete one of the summer’s biggest transfers. ESPN reported that Madrid expect to finish a deal in the coming hours, while other reports say Leipzig had earlier rejected an opening bid before fresh talks resumed. Diomande, 19, is understood to have given the green light to a move to the Spanish giants, and Madrid are said to have raised their offer to around €120 million including bonuses. Leipzig, however, is reportedly holding out for a fee closer to €130 million, and the German club has also considered keeping him for another season on loan.sports.yahoo+2 The Ivorian winger has attracted interest […]
Infantino slams World Cup critics for spreading hate
In an open letter and a long Instagram post shared after the tournament, Infantino said detractors were “consumed by hate and criticism” and had ignored the joy and togetherness experienced by supporters around the world. He described the World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, as “the greatest show on earth” and “the most outstanding” edition in history. “To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organising, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world,” Infantino wrote. He accused some commentators of “planting seeds of hate” instead of acknowledging what he called a tournament of unity, safety and inclusion. Infantino urged critics to “find love and peace,” suggesting they should […]
Messi leads Argentina against Spain in blockbuster World Cup final
Lionel Messi is set to lead Argentina against Spain in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup final. Argentina booked their place in the showpiece after a dramatic semi-final comeback, with Messi once again playing a decisive role in the team’s attack. The veteran captain did not score in the semi-final but created both goals as Argentina turned the game around late to reach the final. Spain, meanwhile, arrive with a strong defensive record and will be hoping to stop Messi and the defending champions from making history. The final promises a huge battle between two of football’s biggest nations, with Argentina aiming to retain the title and Spain seeking another world crown. Fans around the world are expecting a high-quality contest as Messi chases one more major trophy in what could be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.