The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching First Place
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, move to six group points and are assured first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
