The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.
