Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a commanding lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt 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 in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to six points and are assured first place in Group C with a match still to play.
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 3 points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to give his team hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the next team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
