The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a commanding lead, but they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
