The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become 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 last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
