The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead 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 free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
