The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a commanding lead, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that Nigeria, winners of the tournament on three past instances, move to 6 group points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with the East African teams tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the second team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The advantage was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider 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 pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
