The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria build a commanding lead, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six group points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
