The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a commanding lead, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point after playing out a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to play Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The key moment came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
