Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to six group points and are assured first place 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.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his departure.
