The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 advantage, before they were forced to hold on for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley wide of the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are assured first place in Group C with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest 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 steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the fightback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his departure.
