The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a commanding lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his departure.
