The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a 3-0 advantage, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his departure.