The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three past instances, advance to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on one point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to offer his team hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the next nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header 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 powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
