The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot In Spite of Fierce Tunisia Comeback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a 3-0 lead, before they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria 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.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool encounter in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from their attacking trio.
However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the goal frame.
Clinching First Place
This result ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on 3 past instances, move to 6 points and are assured top spot in Group C with a match still to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The concluding pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to face Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the next nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock right before half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was doubled early in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then set up his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
