The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding lead, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama escalated when Tunisia were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, advance to 6 group points and are assured first place in Group C with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia stay on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Finish
The Tunisian defender drilled home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman cross.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
Osimhen then turned provider Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The key moment arrived when a high ball struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions ultimately fell short of completing a stirring recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
