Nigeria Secure Afcon Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a commanding advantage, before they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents 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 Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest 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 key moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
