By Emmanuel Olagunju
Nigeria produced a thrilling performance in Group C to claim a 3–2 victory over Tunisia in Fez Stadium , Morocco in one of the standout fixtures of the day.
The Super Eagles took an early lead through Victor Osimhen, who headed home just before half-time .
Early in the second half, midfielder , Wilfred Ndidi scored with a towering header from a corner, marking his first ever goal for the Nigerian senior national team.
Nigeria extended their cushion when Ademola Lookman added the third goal in the 67th minute with a composed finish, following a quick break. Tunisia responded, with Montassar Talbi heading one back in the 74th minute, and the Carthage Eagles later reduced the deficit from the penalty spot, but Nigeria held on for a hard-earned three points. The result keeps the Super Eagles firmly in the hunt for progression from the group phase.
In the other Group C encounter at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, Uganda and Tanzania ended the game 1–1. Tanzania took the lead from the penalty spot in the 58th minute, but Uganda responded midway through the second half to level. The match featured late drama as Uganda were awarded a stoppage-time penalty which they failed to convert, leaving both sides to share the points as they chase a place in the knockout rounds.
Group D action also delivered drama. Benin secured a historic 1–0 victory over Botswana, registering their first ever win at the Africa Cup of Nations finals. Yohan Roche’s first-half strike proved decisive, a neat finish that gave the Cheetahs their inaugural three points in AFCON history and breathed new life into their qualification hopes.
Meanwhile, Senegal were held to a 1–1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo in Tangier. DR Congo struck first, but Senegal’s veteran forward , Sadio Mané netted a late equaliser to ensure the points were shared. The result keeps both sides competitive in the tightly contested Group D standings.
