The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with the East African teams tied on a single point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous edition, become the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a goal 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 lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.