The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with the East African teams tied on one point after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to give his team hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the second team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key incident came when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
