Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a commanding advantage, before they were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
The three-time champions survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated 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 dying stages to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three past instances, advance to 6 group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from either the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria remain in the city to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled the ball from 12 yards to give his team hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are the second nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a nerve-wracking affair.
The prolific striker had a goal disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The advantage was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a powerful nod from a Lookman corner.
Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball struck the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Although Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a draw against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
