The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after registering a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key incident came when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
