The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria build a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the next nation after Egypt to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable last period morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his departure.