The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a commanding lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, move to six group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on 3 group points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after playing out a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi drilled home from 12 yards to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman 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 arrived when a looping cross hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
