Nigeria Book Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria establish a commanding advantage, but the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria weathered a dramatic 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 cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the upright.
Securing First Place
The victory ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will face a third-placed team from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with the East African teams locked on a single point each after playing out a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool matches will see the group leaders stay in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Finish
Ali Abdi drilled home from the penalty spot to give his team hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous tournament, become the second nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter morphed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The key incident arrived when a high ball struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of completing a stirring comeback.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.
