Nigeria Secure Afcon Last 16 Place In Spite of Late Tunisia Fightback
Former Continent's Best Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a commanding advantage, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
Nigeria survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to progress 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 pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a 3-0 lead with just a quarter of an hour remaining courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, igniting hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to create a nail-biting conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the upright.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, move to six group points and are assured top spot in their pool with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will face a best third-place team from one of the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on one point each after registering a one-all draw in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Finish
Ali Abdi smashed home from the penalty spot to give Tunisia hope of earning a point.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, are the next team after Egypt 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 comfortable final quarter morphed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a header into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece kick.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the third goal, before the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end fell short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Their fate is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be eager to avoid a repeat of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
