Nigeria Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Late Tunisia Comeback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The tension escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on 3 previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured first place in Group C with one game left to play.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each 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 Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from 12 yards to offer Tunisia hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key moment came when a looping cross hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.