Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance narrowly wide before a substitute sent a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
