Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman delivered a masterclass performance and a rallying cry to the nation after being named Man of the Match in Nigeria's thrilling 3-2 victory over Tunisia at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Lookman Inspires Super Eagles to Knockout Stage
The crucial Group C clash, played on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Fez Stadium in Morocco, saw Nigeria book their place in the tournament's Round of 16. The Atalanta forward was instrumental, directly involved in all three of Nigeria's goals.
After a tense first half, Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock just before halftime, powerfully heading home a pinpoint cross from Lookman. The winger turned provider again early in the second half, delivering a superb corner kick that captain Wilfred Ndidi nodded home in the 50th minute.
Lookman then got on the scoresheet himself in the 67th minute, netting Nigeria's third goal to seemingly put the game beyond Tunisia's reach at 3-0.
Tunisia's Late Fightback and Lookman's Post-Match Plea
The Carthage Eagles mounted a spirited comeback in the final quarter of the game. Montassar Talbi headed in from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick in the 74th minute, before Ali Abdi converted a penalty in the 87th minute to set up a nervy finish.
Despite the late scare, Nigeria held on for the win. In a viral post on social media platform X after receiving his Man of the Match award, the 2024 CAF Player of the Year sent a clear message to Nigerian supporters.
"Keep supporting us. The team really needs the country behind them. Keep on driving us and yeah, keep supporting us. Thank you," Lookman appealed.
He added, "The Super Eagles are in the right direction. I think against Tunisia, we're outstanding from the first half into the second half, and then, you know, they had a spell in which they scored two goals. But apart from that, we were very good today."
Journalist and Coach Hail Lookman's Consistency
Nigerian sports journalist Abdul Momoh, speaking from Morocco, hailed Lookman's explosive performance. He described the winger as one of the most consistent players since breaking into the national team and suggested he could become one of Nigeria's greatest wingers if he maintains this form.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle also expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance and Lookman's brilliance, despite the late concession of two goals.
This match further cements Lookman's status as a tournament talisman. According to data from Transfermarkt, the 28-year-old has now registered a combined total of five goals and three assists across his last two major AFCON tournaments.
