Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria build a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance 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 Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on one point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to give his team hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
