The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
