The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three previous occasions, advance to six points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, become the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key moment came when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.