The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
