Nigeria Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a 3-0 lead, before they were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end 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 see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
