Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen found himself in the referee's book moments after breaking his Africa Cup of Nations goal drought, in a dramatic 3-2 victory for Nigeria over Tunisia that sealed their place in the Round of 16 of AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
Osimhen Ends Drought But Invites Booking
The match, played at the Fes stadium, saw Victor Osimhen open the scoring in the 44th minute with a powerful header from Ademola Lookman's cross. This goal ended a personal seven-game scoreless run at the AFCON for the 2023 CAF Player of the Year, whose last goal in the tournament came in the 2023 edition against Equatorial Guinea.
However, the Galatasaray forward's joy was quickly tempered. Malian referee Boubou Traore showed Osimhen a yellow card for his goal celebration. The striker had run towards the Tunisian players and their technical bench in a teasing manner, an action deemed provocative by the official.
Nigeria Holds On For Vital Win
Inspired by Osimhen's opener, Nigeria built a commanding lead. Captain Wilfred Ndidi headed home a Lookman corner in the 50th minute to double the advantage. Lookman then turned from provider to scorer, netting Nigeria's third in the 66th minute with an assist from Osimhen.
The Super Eagles, who had shifted their full focus to the AFCON after missing out on 2026 World Cup qualification, seemed to be cruising. However, Tunisia mounted a late fightback. Montassar Talbi headed in a free-kick in the 75th minute, and Ali Abdi converted a controversial penalty in the 89th minute after a VAR review penalized Bright Osayi-Samuel for handball.
Booking Ramifications and Referee Controversy
Osimhen was not the only Nigerian player cautioned. Defender Semi Ajayi and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also received yellow cards. Nwabali's booking came in the sixth minute of added time for time-wasting.
Critically, the bookings for Osimhen, Ajayi, and Nwabali mean all three are now one yellow card away from a one-match suspension in the knockout stages. The penalty decision that led to Tunisia's second goal also sparked debate, with Nigerian football expert Toritseju Williams criticizing the call and the consistency of VAR application at the tournament.
Despite the late scare and the disciplinary notes, the victory was paramount. Osimhen's goal also brought his international tally to 32, leaving him just four goals shy of the legendary Rashidi Yekini's record as Nigeria's all-time top scorer.
