The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of goals 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 turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final group fixtures will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key incident arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.