The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish 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. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 group points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, are the next team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
