Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a 3-0 advantage, before the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a narrow win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with one game still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a one-all stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give his team hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, become the second team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before opening the scoring right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage 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 turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
