The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Place Despite Late Tunisia Comeback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria establish a 3-0 lead, before the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from their opponents to progress 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 clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from their attacking trio.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The tension escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright.
Clinching First Place
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 previous occasions, move to 6 group points and are assured top spot in their pool with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place team from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
The Tunisian defender drilled home from 12 yards to give Tunisia a glimmer of hope of snatching a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the previous tournament, become the second team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What looked like set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort disallowed for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to steer a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his departure.
