The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a 3-0 advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a narrow win.
Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress 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 Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were given a spot-kick after a VAR check identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three past instances, advance to six group points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to take on Uganda on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer his team a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly 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 goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.
The key moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a stirring comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.