Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer his team hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, are the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker 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 doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.
The key moment came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
