How Tunisia nearly pulled off a stunning comeback against Nigeria – OGC Nice star explains

Tunisia came within inches of pulling off one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after falling 3–0 behind against Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.

OGC Nice defender Ali Abdi has revealed what changed late in the game, just 15 minutes to the end of the encounter.

The Carthage Eagles looked out of the contest after Nigeria struck at key moments—just before half-time and shortly after the restart—to open up a commanding three-goal lead at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.

However, Tunisia refused to fold and mounted a fierce late push that left the Super Eagles hanging on until the final whistle.

OGC Nice star Abdi on Tunisia’s turning point

Speaking after the match, Abdi explained exclusively to Soccernet.ng that Tunisia made a conscious decision to fight back once they found themselves three goals down.

“In the last 15 minutes, we said we had to give it our all. We were losing 3–0 and couldn’t take any more,” Abdi said to Soccernet,ng.

“We hadn’t got into the game properly, so we had to show the 25,000 people who came today that we had some pride. After Nigeria’s third goal, we gave everything.”

Tunisia’s renewed intensity paid off as they pulled a goal back in the 74th minute before adding a second from the penalty spot late on, turning what looked like a routine Nigeria win into a tense finish.

Abdi pointed to unity and belief as key factors behind Tunisia’s late pressure, even as Nigeria tried to manage the closing stages.

“They scored at very difficult moments — at the end of the first half and the beginning of the second half,” he said. “But we didn’t give up. We stayed strong, we stayed together until the end.”

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Tunisia nearly completed the comeback when a late chance almost forced an equaliser, but the opportunity narrowly missed the target.

“We had a chance to make it 3–3. It’s a shame it didn’t go in,” Abdi added. “But we have to take the positives and work on the negatives. That’s football at the highest level.”

Abdi on Nigeria’s favourites tag

The former Paris FC player also acknowledged Nigeria’s status as favourites to win the tournament and admitted that Tunisia’s poor start handed the Super Eagles early control.

“Nigeria is a great nation, so it’s normal that they are favourites,” Abdi said. “But we didn’t start the match well, and they gained a lot of confidence.”

“That doesn’t take anything away from Nigeria’s achievement today,” he said. “We will have our say in this AFCON, inshallah.”

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Nigeria sit atop the Group C standings with six points and have secured a qualification to the next round of the competition. Meanwhile, Tunisia have a point to prove when they face Tanzania in their final group game, should they stand the chance to secure all three points.