Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has expressed delight after Nigeria secured qualification for the round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Tunisia on Saturday, Bold Sports reports.
Nigeria’s second consecutive win of the tournament took them to six points from two group matches, having earlier edged Tanzania 2–1 in their opener. The result confirmed Eric Chelle’s side as the second team to book a place in the knockout stages, following Egypt, who also qualified early after wins against Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Speaking after the game, Onyeka praised the team’s execution while acknowledging areas that need improvement: “The game plan worked really well. We’re so glad that we’re through to the next round,” the midfielder told reporters.
Despite racing into a commanding 3–0 lead, the Super Eagles endured a tense finale after Tunisia struck twice within 13 minutes, putting pressure on Nigeria in the closing stages. Onyeka admitted the late lapse was a concern the team must address.
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“Of course 3-0 ahead, and we allowed two easy goals is not good. I think it’s something that we need to work on in training so we can get better,” he said.
The win also carried added significance, coming three years after Tunisia eliminated Nigeria from the 2022 AFCON in Cameroon with a 1–0 victory in the round of 16. Onyeka described Saturday’s result as a form of payback.
“We had to give them what happened in Cameroon. We came out really strong and we’re happy we got the three points,” he added.
Nigeria will round off their group campaign against Uganda on Tuesday, and while head coach Eric Chelle may consider rotating his squad with qualification already secured, Onyeka insists the Super Eagles’ approach will not change.
“We’re still going to play the same way we played today. We’re not gonna drop, we’ll keep going and we’ll take one game at a time,” he said.
Onyeka was substituted in the 79th minute against Tunisia, sparking mild concerns over his fitness, but the midfielder played down any fears ahead of the clash with the Cranes.
“No not really, just a little twist but it’s okay. The tank doesn’t break,” Onyeka said confidently.
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