Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before they were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before opening the scoring right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key moment came when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
