The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, move to six group points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
