The Super Eagles Book Africa Cup of Nations Knockout Place Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen helped his team build a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in the host nation.
The Super Eagles seemed to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, enjoying a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review identified a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper heading a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Clinching Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to six points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with one game left to play.
In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on a single point after registering a one-all draw earlier on Saturday.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to offer his team hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, are the second nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and supporters will certainly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period morphed into a nerve-wracking affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring right before half-time, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended soon in the second half when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the comeback.
The key moment came when a looping cross struck the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of completing a remarkable comeback.
Tunisia's destiny remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that led to his previous resignation.