The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a commanding lead, but they were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to six group points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous edition, are the next team after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
