Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a 3-0 lead, before they were forced to hold on for a narrow win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes 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 drama escalated when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 points and are assured first place in Group C with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on one point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to steer 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 awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
