Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give his team hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore 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 completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
