AFCON 2025: Tunisia seize control of Group C from Nigeria as Super Eagles’ early joy fades

Tunisia moved to the top of Group C at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a commanding 3-1 victory over Uganda, knocking Nigeria off the summit just hours after the Super Eagles had opened their campaign with a hard-earned win, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria had earlier edged Tanzania 2-1 in Fez to provisionally take control of the group, but Tunisia’s ruthless display in Rabat comfirmed their status as one of the tournament’s most organised and efficient sides.

The result leaves Tunisia top on goal difference ahead of Nigeria after matchday one, with the two heavyweights set to meet next in what is already shaping up as a decisive group encounter.Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

Nigeria respond after scare to beat Tanzania

Nigeria’s evening began positively, though not without moments of tension.

After a cagey first half, the Super Eagles finally broke through midway into the second period. Semi Ajayi rose highest from close range to head home after a perfectly weighted delivery from Alex Iwobi, rewarding Nigeria’s growing pressure.

But celebrations were short-lived. Just minutes after the restart, Tanzania stunned the Nigerians when Charles M’Mombwa bundled in an equaliser, exposing brief lapses in concentration at the back.

Nigeria, however, responded immediately. Another moment of quality from Iwobi unlocked the defence, and Ademola Lookman made no mistake, driving a fierce effort from the edge of the box to restore the lead barely two minutes later.

That goal proved decisive, securing all three points and briefly lifting Nigeria to the top of the group, a position that would not last the night.

Tunisia statement win reshapes Group C

Tunisia wasted little time asserting their authority against Uganda.

The Carthage Eagles struck in the 10th minute when Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Ellyes Skhiri finished calmly after being picked out by Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri. Tunisia’s control in midfield was evident, and they doubled their advantage five minutes before the break through Elias Achouri, who capped a swift attacking move with a precise finish.

Achouri completed his brace just after the hour mark, sealing a comprehensive victory that sent Tunisia above Nigeria on goal difference.

Denis Omedi grabbed a stoppage time consolation goal for Uganda.

Nigeria and Tunisia will now meet on matchday two, with the winner guaranteed qualification for the knockout stages.

AFCON 2025 results 

Elsewhere on Tuesday, Senegal recorded the biggest win of the day, cruising to a 3-0 victory over Botswana in Group D. Nicolas Jackson scored twice before substitute Cherif Ndiaye added a third.

DR Congo also picked up maximum points in the group, edging Benin 1-0 thanks to Theo Bongonda’s strike.

Hosts Morocco lead Group A after beating Comoros 2-0, while Egypt and South Africa share top spot in Group B following narrow victories over Zimbabwe and Angola respectively.