Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 cushion with only a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a spot-kick after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are assured first place in their pool with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to offer Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the next 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 conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a header from a Lookman kick.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball hit the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.