The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team establish a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were forced to defend resolutely for a narrow victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning 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 appeared to be cruising in their Group C encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with just 17 minutes remaining courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute sent a bobbling volley wide of the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, advance to six points and are assured first place in their pool with a match still to play.
In the next round, they will meet a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions stay on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The final pool matches will see Nigeria remain in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.
A Nervy Conclusion
The Tunisian defender smashed home from 12 yards to give his team hope of snatching a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, are the second team after Egypt to reach the next phase, but their manager and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense conclusion.
The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The key incident came when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that led to his departure.