The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes 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 set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, move to six points and are assured first place in their pool with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
