The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in Nigeria build a 3-0 advantage, before they were forced to hold on for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from their opponents to advance to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be cruising in their Group C clash in Fes, holding a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from their attacking trio.
Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
The victory means that Nigeria, winners of the competition on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.
The final pool fixtures will see Nigeria stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from the penalty spot to give his team hope of earning a draw.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 edition, become the next nation after Egypt to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident arrived when a high ball hit the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official pointing to the spot after consulting the pitchside screen.
Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.
Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
