The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Place Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate 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 led to his previous resignation.
