The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally 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 clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like 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 right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The key moment came when a looping cross struck the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
