Ademola Lookman has hailed his partnership with Victor Osimhen after delivering a man of the match performance to guide Nigeria to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Tunisia in Fez on Saturday, booking the Super Eagles’ place in the round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 2024 CAF African Player of the Year expressed satisfaction with Nigeria’s overall performance, emphasising the importance of securing three points. He noted that the team will take the positives from the match and build on them as the tournament progresses.
“We are pleased with the performance today, three points on board, that is most important. We take the positives and carry on,” Lookman said following the thrilling encounter.
Speaking about his partnership with Victor Osimhen, Lookman highlighted their strong on-field understanding, explaining that he adapts his position to help the team wherever needed.
“Victor is a good striker and we have a good relationship and make the most of that. Anywhere I can help the team I do,” he said.
“I now play closer to goal, which gives me more chance to hurt the opponent and I am happy with that.”
The win came after Nigeria appeared to be cruising with a commanding 3-0 lead, only for Tunisia to stage a late comeback that tested the Super Eagles’ composure. Goals from Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi reignited hope for the Carthage Eagles, but Nigeria held firm to secure a vital victory.
Lookman’s influence was decisive. He created two goals and scored one himself, continuing his remarkable run at AFCON. With eight goal contributions, five goals and three assists, across his last nine tournament matches, Lookman has outperformed any other player over the last two editions.
The first goal came just before halftime when Lookman delivered a precise cross from the left for Osimhen, who rose above the defence to head home. Four minutes after the break, captain Wilfred Ndidi doubled the advantage, nodding in another Lookman corner. He then finished off a clever cut-back from Osimhen in the 66th minute, rifling a left-footed strike past the Tunisian goalkeeper.
The victory takes Nigeria to six points at the top of Group C, with their final group match against Uganda in Fez next Tuesday. Tunisia, on three points, travel to Rabat to face Tanzania.
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